Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, 64, has sought to soften her right-wing image and reach beyond her conservative base ahead of the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election on Oct. 4.
However, lawmakers are throwing their support behind Takaichi in hopes that the long-time conservative champion will help reverse the trend of voters leaving the LDP for the small, right-wing populist party Sanseito and the Democratic Party for the People.
“The LDP has lost its support from conservatives and young voters. We’ve lost their trust. The only one who can earn (their trust) back is Takaichi,” said Upper House lawmaker Yohei Wakabayashi in a video message on Sept. 24.
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