Key Facts
• On September 13, Nippon TV aired ‘Saturday LIVE News Zigzag’ at 11:55 AM.
• Professor Hiroshi Shiratori analyzed five potential candidates for the LDP leadership election.
• The election will be announced on September 22, with voting on October 4, 2025.
• Themes included lowering rice prices, reducing utility costs, tax cuts, and increasing take-home pay.
• Candidates analyzed: Shinjiro Koizumi (44), Toshimitsu Motegi (69), Takayuki Kobayashi (50), Sanae Takaichi (64), and Yoshimasa Hayashi (64).
• Koizumi, Motegi, and Kobayashi were noted for their potential to lower rice prices.
• Takaichi and Hayashi were highlighted for reducing electricity and gas costs.
• Kobayashi and Takaichi were identified as strong proponents of tax cuts.
• Koizumi, Motegi, and Kobayashi were seen as capable of increasing take-home pay.
• Motegi and Hayashi were deemed capable of influencing the Ministry of Finance.
• Motegi was praised for his ‘tough negotiator’ reputation with Trump during trade talks.
• Takaichi was noted for her policy alignment with Trump.
• Motegi and Hayashi were considered the most stable candidates overall.
Summary
On September 13, Nippon TV’s ‘Saturday LIVE News Zigzag’ featured Professor Hiroshi Shiratori analyzing five candidates for the upcoming LDP leadership election. The analysis focused on their strengths in addressing key issues like reducing rice prices, utility costs, and taxes, as well as their ability to influence the Ministry of Finance and engage with figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump. Toshimitsu Motegi and Yoshimasa Hayashi emerged as the most stable candidates, with Motegi noted for his negotiation skills and Hayashi for his extensive experience. Sanae Takaichi was highlighted for her policy alignment with Trump, while Shinjiro Koizumi and Takayuki Kobayashi were recognized for their appeal to public concerns. The election will be announced on September 22, with voting set for October 4, 2025.
