Since the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has a parliamentary majority and has ruled Japan for the majority of the post-war era, its next leader will be appointed prime minister.
However, the LDP is going through a difficult period right now as a result of scandals and internal strife that have split apart its formerly strong sections.
The LDP has fielded nine candidates, the most in its history, and the three front-runners have quite different ideas on what Japan should look like in the future.
First up is 67-year-old political veteran Shigeru Ishiba, a former minister of defense running for the leadership of the LDP.
While it has angered other party members, Ishiba’s outspoken criticism of Prime Minister Kishida and his raw honesty have struck a chord with the general public in Japan.
The youngest contender, 43-year-old Shinjiro Koizumi, is also well-liked since he presents a new image and promises to modernize the LDP in the eyes of the public. Although detractors claim he lacks expertise, Koizumi is favored by younger people and women. He is the son of former “maverick” prime minister Junichiro Koizumi.
