No clear front-runner and factions divided on eve of LDP leadership campaign
The race is turning out to be more than simply an election to choose the country’s next leader — it's become a contest that could shift power dynamics within the ruling party.
LDP’s Shigeru Ishiba formally throws support behind PM contender Taro Kono
Popular among rank-and-file party members, Ishiba's move could give a boost to Kono, the country's vaccine czar.
Facing mounting challenges, Shigeru Ishiba opts against LDP leadership run
The former defense minister is expected to back Taro Kono instead, offering the vaccine czar the chance to amass more votes from the LDP's rank and file.
In LDP race, divided factions and empowered junior lawmakers make election a toss-up
Unlike last year, when a majority of the party's prominent factions swiftly banded together to back Yoshihide Suga, most factions are divided over who to support.
The outliers hoping to be heard in the LDP election
While the race front-runners are clear, don’t count these names out
Facing intraparty obstacles, Ishiba wrestles with role in LDP election
The former defense chief has long had ambitions to become prime minister, but his fraught relationship with the LDP could block his way — and change the race for everyone else.
Kono emerges as top contender to replace Suga in polls as LDP race gains steam
With the party's popularity having taken a hit over the pandemic, and an election due to be held this autumn, public support could give a candidate a crucial edge in the LDP vote.
LDP leadership contender Fumio Kishida eyes SDF law revision after Afghan mission
Kishida says if elected prime minister he would consider revising the law to ease the way for the overseas dispatch of the SDF on an evacuation mission.
Vaccine czar Taro Kono tops opinion poll to be Japan's next leader
Over 30% backed Kono, placing him ahead of former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.
In LDP race, Suga to back vaccine czar and Abe to support hawkish ex-minister
The prime minister will back popular chief Taro Kono, while his predecessor will support former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi in the poll later this month, reports said.
Suga's abrupt exit throws LDP race wide open
With Suga’s withdrawal from the race, a significant obstacle has been removed for leading LDP hopefuls to enter the contest.
Suga to step down after tumultuous year in office
The prime minister has said that he wants to spend his remaining time in office focusing on the government's COVID-19 response.
