Key Facts
• September 16, 2025: Takayuki Kobayashi announces candidacy for LDP leadership.
• Kobayashi, 50, emphasizes Japan’s worsening security environment.
• Pledges to increase defense spending beyond 2% of GDP by 2027.
• Criticizes current defense budget as “far from sufficient.”
• Calls for urgent revision of the National Security Strategy.
• Highlights the importance of self-reliance and alliances with partner nations.
Summary
Former Minister for Economic Security Takayuki Kobayashi officially declared his candidacy for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership on September 16, 2025. During a press conference, Kobayashi stressed the need to address Japan’s increasingly severe security challenges. He pledged to increase defense spending beyond the government’s current goal of 2% of GDP by 2027, describing the existing budget as “far from sufficient.” Kobayashi also called for an urgent revision of the National Security Strategy to ensure adequate funding. He underscored the necessity of self-reliance in national defense while strengthening cooperation with allied and partner nations. Kobayashi’s campaign highlights his commitment to bolstering Japan’s security posture in a rapidly changing global environment.
