LDP heavyweight wants joint discussion on defense budget and funding
As possible measures to finance a higher defense budget, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba mentioned raising liquor and tobacco taxes and imposing heavier property taxes.
The state of play for the LDP's factions after October's Lower House election
The big winner appeared to be the party’s largest faction, now headed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while the one led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also strengthened its presence.
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.
