Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is also a strong contender. If elected, he would become Japan’s youngest prime minister in the modern era.
The son of popular former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, he was voted into parliament in 2009, taking over his father’s lower house seat.
He was appointed environment minister from 2019 to 2021.
He made his first bid for party president last year, finishing third out of nine contenders despite being an early favourite.
His momentum slowed after he gave public comments that were seen to reflect a lack of experience – such as on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the past.
This time, gaffes continued to follow him on the campaign trail. His team tried to flood a streaming platform with positive comments about him and criticism of other candidates.
The fallout has raised concerns within his camp over potential backlash from party members, who have voting rights, and the public, which already distrusts the LDP.
Still, Koizumi’s reformist image has boosted his profile. In recent months, he introduced bold changes to Japan’s tightly controlled rice market to drive down soaring prices.
Once an advocate for policy change to allow married couples to keep separate surnames, he has toned down some of his more progressive views in what political watchers say is a bid to broaden his support base.
He has also vowed to boost wages and productivity to counter rising prices, and set up a disaster mitigation agency.
YOSHIMASA HAYASHI, 64
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