Overview

• Five contenders formally entered the Liberal Democratic Party leadership contest on September 22, setting the field for the race that determines Japan’s next prime minister.
• Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, an announced candidate, apologized and withdrew his earlier dismissal of the party’s ¥20,000–¥40,000 cash benefit pledge as inappropriate.
• Hayashi is also under fire inside the party after saying Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation was “inevitable,” drawing criticism from ministers and senior officials close to the premier.
• Candidates are advancing differing cost‑of‑living responses, including proposals such as refundable tax credits, raising income thresholds for benefits, and creating new living‑support grants.
• Sanae Takaichi ruled out an early dissolution of the lower house if elected, and most rivals have signaled caution on a snap election, with Hayashi yet to state a position.