Overview

• The race is formally announced on Sept. 22 with five contenders, and the winner will be chosen on Oct. 4 using 295 lawmaker votes plus an equal number of rank‑and‑file ballots, with a runoff possible.
• Candidates outline contrasting approaches to price pressures, including refundable tax credits, raising income thresholds and a new living‑support grant, while the across‑the‑board 20,000‑yen payout from the Upper House campaign remains a flashpoint.
• Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, who has entered the race, said Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation was “inevitable,” drawing sharp criticism from figures close to the premier.
• Hayashi retracted his remark questioning the blanket cash payout, calling it inappropriate and apologizing.
• With the party short of majorities in both chambers, governance arrangements and near‑term economic relief are central issues, and opposition parties are pressing for an early extraordinary Diet session.