Japan’s PM Resignation Sparks Fierce Leadership Contest

(MENAFN) Following the resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is gearing up for a fierce leadership contest, with key figures signaling their bids for the top spot.

On Monday, former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi officially announced his intention to run, vowing to apply his extensive political experience to both the LDP and the government.

Meanwhile, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, has also confirmed plans to enter the race, according to reports from media, citing party sources.

The LDP is expected to finalize the voting procedures for the leadership election as soon as Tuesday, the news agency added.

Both Motegi and Hayashi participated in last year’s leadership contest, with Motegi, a seasoned politician, also having served as LDP policy chief.

Other prominent figures considering a run include Sanae Takaichi, former Economic Security Minister, and Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan’s Agriculture Minister.

Ishiba’s resignation on Sunday came in response to mounting pressure for him to take accountability for the party’s poor performance in recent elections.

In July, Japan’s ruling coalition suffered a historic setback, losing its majority in the House of Councillors, which underscored growing public dissatisfaction with the government. This defeat followed a similar blow in the 2024 House of Representatives election, marking the first time since the LDP’s founding in 1955 that the ruling bloc has been reduced to a minority in both chambers of the Japanese parliament.

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