Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi is set to announce his candidacy for the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) presidential election at a press conference on Tuesday. He is expected to present his policy pledges later in the week.
Hayashi, a close ally of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and a former foreign minister, enters a crowded race following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s decision to resign. Other declared candidates include former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi.
Former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi, aiming to become Japan’s first female prime minister, and farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi have also expressed interest in running. Analysts suggest the contest could evolve into a head-to-head battle between Koizumi and Takaichi, both high-profile figures with strong support bases.
Hayashi, a Harvard graduate with extensive government experience, faces an uphill battle as polls currently place him behind Takaichi and Koizumi. The leadership election, initially scheduled for 2027, was moved up after Ishiba resigned to take responsibility for his party’s recent electoral setbacks.