Overview

• The Liberal Democratic Party formally launched its leadership election on September 22, beginning a 12-day campaign ahead of the October 4 vote.
• Five candidates entered the race: Hayashi Yoshimasa, Motegi Toshimitsu, Takaichi Sanae, Koizumi Shinjiro, and Kobayashi Takanobu.
• Hayashi told an internet program on September 18 that Prime Minister Ishiba’s resignation was “必定だった” (inevitable), drawing sharp criticism from a minister close to Ishiba and senior Prime Minister’s Office officials.
• He also said of the ruling coalition’s ¥20,000–¥40,000 cash-payment pledge that he “might not have” done it, adding to internal pushback on his stance and tone.
• At a September 19 press conference, Hayashi emphasized that Ishiba would use his remaining time as LDP president to address issues, as Ishiba’s tenure reaches 358 days on September 23.