Koizumi to Run for LDP President, Setting Stage for Leadership Race

Shinjiro Koizumi, the current Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, intends to participate in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election. This information comes from sources close to his campaign. The election process is scheduled to commence on September 22nd, with the voting taking place on October 4th.

Koizumi, aged 44, is planning to inform his supporters in his Kanagawa Constituency No. 11, which includes Yokosuka and Miura, as early as Saturday. He is also arranging a press conference for next week to formally declare his candidacy.

This will be Koizumi's second attempt at the presidency. In the previous election held last September, he secured third place. Notably, he received the most votes from Diet members in the initial round, totaling 75 votes. However, he was unable to advance to the runoff due to the votes from rank-and-file party members and affiliated groups.

Koizumi consistently ranks high in opinion polls regarding potential LDP presidential candidates, and some within the party consider him a strong contender. His campaign sources indicate that he is confident in securing the necessary 20 endorsements from LDP members in the Diet and is actively working to broaden his support base.

When questioned by reporters at the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry on Thursday, Koizumi stated that he wants to prioritize his official duties while considering his actions. He also emphasized his desire to value the support of his home constituency of Yokosuka and Miura.

Other potential candidates are also emerging. Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, who is reportedly firm in her intention to run, met with former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has also expressed interest in running.

Furthermore, former LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi has officially announced his candidacy, and former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi has confirmed his determination to run.