Overview

• In televised debates this weekend, all five candidates endorsed a stronger defense posture, with several saying spending should reach or exceed 2% of GDP.
• Multiple contenders vowed to fold abolition of the gasoline tax’s temporary rate into a supplementary budget for swift enactment.
• Each signaled openness to widening coalition frameworks only if core policies align, with Sanae Takaichi naming constitutional revision plus security and diplomacy as her criteria.
• The candidates called for stronger transparency requirements on corporate and organizational political donations.
• Toshimitsu Motegi said arrangements are being made for a possible late‑October visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to deepen ties as campaigns court party members and Diet lawmakers ahead of the Oct. 4 vote.