Race to Replace Ishiba as Japan Prime Minister Kicks Off

The race to succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has begun, with Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) heavyweight Toshimitsu Motegi becoming the first to announce his candidacy, a day after Ishiba said he would step down, Japan Times reported.

Motegi’s announcement came a day after Ishiba said he would resign as party president to take responsibility for the LDP’s defeat in the July Upper House election. (Photo: Prime Minister’s Office of Japan Facebook) 

Media reports also indicate Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the government’s top spokesman, is expected to join the race, while former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi and farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi are seen as potential contenders.

“I’ve decided to run in the LDP presidential election,” Motegi told reporters.

“It’s tough to pull the LDP out of this adversity. With the experience I had within the party and the government, I’d like to serve the country with everything I’ve got.”

Motegi’s announcement came a day after Ishiba said he would resign as party president to take responsibility for the LDP’s defeat in the July Upper House election, amid growing discontent among rank-and-file members.