Intensive debate is under way ahead of the governing Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election next month to choose the successor to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. At issue is how to assess the reform policies of Koizumi -- now the third-longest reigning prime minister in the postwar years -- and how to tackle the remaining tasks.
Among the daunting challenges awaiting the incoming administration are restoring fiscal health to the nation amid falling birthrates and an aging population, and improving Japan's diplomatic relations with its Asian neighbors following Koizumi's repeated visits to the war-related Yasukuni Shrine over the past five years.
Candidates for the LDP presidency should present clear visions on issues set to have a major impact on the nation's future, and propose feasible solutions. In late July, three candidates -- Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe, Foreign Minister Taro Aso and Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki -- participated in an open debate in Tokyo.