Japan's Economic Security Minister Announces Second Bid for LDP Presidency
Sanae Takaichi, Japan's economic security minister, has announced her second bid to become president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The September 27th election is shaping up to be a crowded race with a record number of candidates vying to replace outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Takaichi, 63, is known for her hawkish stance on security issues. She previously served as internal affairs minister and the LDP's policy chief. Despite losing the support of her staunch supporter, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi remains a formidable contender.
One of the most controversial aspects of Takaichi's candidacy is her periodic visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, a source of diplomatic tension with China and South Korea. Additionally, her cautious stance on allowing married couples to use different surnames has sparked debate within the conservative LDP.
Takaichi joins a growing list of candidates, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Digital Minister Taro Kono, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, and LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi. With the election just weeks away, the race for LDP leadership is heating up.