Overview

• Kono Taro said he will not run and publicly backed Koizumi Shinjiro, arguing Koizumi is best placed to lead a party reset and warning his own bid could risk deeper division.
• Official nomination opens on September 22 with voting on October 4, and a runoff remains possible under party rules.
• Aso Taro and Fumio Kishida have not named a preferred candidate, meeting contenders as they assess who can win and potentially decide a runoff through bloc influence.
• Takaichi Sanae and Koizumi reported their intent to run in visits to Aso’s office; Suga Yoshihide is fully backing Koizumi, with Kato Katsunobu set to head his campaign team.
• Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa launched his bid emphasizing policy continuity and diplomatic experience, highlighting preparations for dealing with President Trump after last November’s U.S. election.