Japan prime minister hopeful charts collision course with China
If China has a favorite in the battle to be Japan’s next prime minister, it’s probably not Sanae Takaichi, who has taken hawkish stances toward her country's powerful neighbor.
Kono faces intractable opposition — from his own party
Vicious infighting from the far-right of the LDP could destabilize the next administration, rendering even a popular prime minister practically a lame duck upon election.
As pandemic curbs campaigns, LDP leadership hopefuls seek votes on social media
Pundits say the candidates are actively using social media to demonstrate their communication skills and ability to present themselves to the general public.
Third COVID-era prime minister to face tough test in Japan
For the winner of a party leadership vote Wednesday to pick Japan’s third pandemic-era prime minister, an arduous task awaits on the economy.
Japan PM hopefuls make last-ditch appeal before LDP leadership poll
The election will likely end up in a runoff between vaccination minister Taro Kono and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida as no candidate is expected to win a first-round majority.
LGBTQ groups hope LDP's leadership race may lead to same-sex marriage in Japan
Of the four candidates for the Liberal Democratic Party leadership, Taro Kono and Seiko Noda have supported gay marriage. Within Asia, same-sex marriage is currently only legal in Taiwan.
Kono and Kishida likely to meet in LDP runoff vote, survey finds
Taro Kono is expected to win the biggest share of the 764 votes up for grabs in the first round of voting but fall short of securing an absolute majority.
Three LDP candidates vow future-oriented Constitution reform
The reforms would include a call for the existence of the Self-Defense Forces to be spelled out clearly in the supreme charter's pacifist Article 9.
Taro Kono still LDP members' favorite for next Japan PM, poll shows
Whichever LDP candidate wins will become prime minister when the Diet holds an extraordinary session from Oct. 4 as the LDP-led coalition holds a majority in both chambers.
Who the opposition wants to win the LDP presidential race
The opposition are strategizing on how to erode the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition’s Lower House majority, a task all the more difficult without knowing who their principal opponent will be.
Love for hometown soccer club inspires PM hopeful Taro Kono
The LDP leadership candidate took an active role in the development of J. League side Shonan Bellmare, winning his own fans on the way.
