Key Facts
• LDP leadership race: Official announcement on September 22, voting on October 4.
• Toshimitsu Motegi officially declared candidacy on September 10.
• Sanae Takaichi is preparing her candidacy but needs 20 endorsements.
• Shinjiro Koizumi has not confirmed his candidacy, citing strong parliamentary support.
• Analyst Hiroshi Hoshi suggested Koizumi may not run, focusing on public duties.
• Party insiders speculate Koizumi might support Takaichi to regain conservative support.
• Koizumi’s previous late candidacy announcement in 2024 led to a loss in the final vote.
• LDP conservatives lost support after defeats in last year’s general and July elections.
Summary
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race is set for September 22, with voting on October 4. While Toshimitsu Motegi has declared his candidacy, Sanae Takaichi is still gathering endorsements. Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has not confirmed his participation, despite strong parliamentary backing. Analyst Hiroshi Hoshi speculates Koizumi may not run, instead focusing on public duties and potentially supporting Takaichi. Party insiders believe this strategy could help regain conservative support lost in recent elections. Koizumi’s late candidacy announcement in 2024 resulted in a loss, prompting calls for a more strategic approach this time.
