The Sept. 20 Liberal Democratic Party presidential campaign heated up Thursday when Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki became the first LDP lawmaker to officially declare his candidacy. Mr. Tanigaki's entry promises to deepen discussion of tax and other policy issues following former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda's early withdrawal from the race. Mr. Tanigaki is considered likely to put forth proposals that clearly differ from those of the party's front-runner in opinion polls, Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe. A third possibility, Foreign Minister Taro Aso, is poised to take part in the race.
Despite the popular support for Mr. Abe, Mr. Fukuda at one point was rated as the most hoped-for candidate -- a sign that more than a few people are dissatisfied with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's reform politics. Mr. Fukuda embodied the wishes of those seeking a counter to Mr. Abe, who is expected to hew to Mr. Koizumi's policy line.
The perception exists that Mr. Koizumi's policy has widened the gap between haves and have-nots. There is also concern about the deterioration in Japan's relations with China and South Korea as a result of Mr. Koizumi's repeated visits to Yasukuni Shrine. The shrine honors 14 Class-A war criminals as well as Japan's 2.46 million war dead.