Japan's Leadership Race: Contenders to Replace Prime Minister Kishida

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is voting to elect a new leader to replace Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Leading contenders include Shigeru Ishiba, Shinjiro Koizumi, Sanae Takaichi, and Taro Kono, each with their own distinct policies and appeals. The result will shape Japan's future direction.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is set to vote on Friday in a leadership election aimed at replacing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Major contenders have emerged, each backed by varying levels of public support and political influence.

Shigeru Ishiba, 67, a former defense minister, is making his fifth and final bid. Unique among the candidates, Ishiba advocates shifting from nuclear power to renewable energy and is open to legislation allowing female emperors. His economic strategy involves boosting wages and possibly exempting some goods from the sales tax to help lower-income citizens. He also supports gradually raising interest rates and establishing a disaster management agency.

Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, is the youngest candidate and aims to modernize the party's image. Favored by younger voters and women in media polls, Koizumi aims to call an early general election and accelerate policies for dynamic economic growth. His proposals include opening Japan's regulated taxi market to ride-sharing and supporting pensioners and low-income households. He also backs a constitutional revision and legislation to allow women to retain their maiden names.

Other notable candidates include Sanae Takaichi, 63, representing the LDP's right wing with conservative views, and Taro Kono, 61, who has experience as Japan's digital minister, foreign minister, and defense minister. Each contender brings distinct perspectives, making this leadership race pivotal for Japan's future.

(With inputs from agencies.)