Seiko Noda, the former executive council chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, has indicated she may challenge Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the LDP presidential election to be held on Sept. 20.

But whether Noda, 54, long touted as having the potential to become Japan's first female prime minister, can garner the support she needs to throw her hat in the ring remains to be seen, and re-election of Abe seems certain at any rate.

"What I feel now is seeing the right thing and not doing it means a lack of courage," Noda said during a fundraising party held Tuesday in Tokyo, an indication of her intention to file her candidacy to run in the presidential race.