Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Japanese farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks during a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for his campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Japanese farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks during a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for his campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Japanese farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks during a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for his campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Japanese farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi (C) raises his fist during a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for his campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Japanese farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi (C) raises his fist during a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for his campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Former Japanese internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi attends a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for her campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Former Japanese internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi attends a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for her campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Former Japanese internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi attends a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for her campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Former Japanese internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi attends a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for her campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Former Japanese internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi attends a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for her campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Campaigning begins in LDP leadership race

Former Japanese internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi (C) raises her fist during a launch ceremony in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, for her campaign for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

[Breaking News]LDP secretary general Motegi seeks LDP presidency

TOKYO, Japan, Sept. 4 Kyodo - Toshimitsu Motegi, secretary general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 4, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the party's leadership election. (Kyodo)

Ex-Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Ex-Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Former Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 6, 2024, announcing his candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election later in the month.

Ex-Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Ex-Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Former Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 6, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election later in the month.

Ex-Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Ex-Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Former Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 6, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election later in the month.

Ex-Japan Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Ex-Japan Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Former Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 6, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election later in the month.

Ex-Japan Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Ex-Japan Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Former Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 6, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election later in the month.

Ex-Japan Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Ex-Japan Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Former Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 6, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election later in the month.

Ex-Japan Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Ex-Japan Environment Minister Koizumi seeks LDP presidency

Former Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 6, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election later in the month.

LDP secretary general Motegi seeks LDP presidency

LDP secretary general Motegi seeks LDP presidency

Toshimitsu Motegi (L), secretary general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 4, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the party's leadership election.

LDP secretary general Motegi seeks LDP presidency

LDP secretary general Motegi seeks LDP presidency

Toshimitsu Motegi (L), secretary general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 4, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the party's leadership election.

LDP secretary general Motegi seeks LDP presidency

LDP secretary general Motegi seeks LDP presidency

Toshimitsu Motegi (L), secretary general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 4, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the party's leadership election.

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japanese Digital Minister Taro Kono speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 26, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japanese Digital Minister Taro Kono speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 26, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japanese Digital Minister Taro Kono speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 26, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japanese Digital Minister Taro Kono speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 26, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japanese Digital Minister Taro Kono speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 26, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japan's digital minster Kono seeks LDP presidency

Japanese Digital Minister Taro Kono speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 26, 2024, announcing his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Yosano stumps in Tokyo in LDP leadership race

Yosano stumps in Tokyo in LDP leadership race

TOKYO, Japan - Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Kaoru Yosano addresses a crowd in Shinjuku, Tokyo on Sept. 7 during a campaigning stop in the race for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The winner will take over from outgoing Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, as the LDP commands a majority in the House of Representatives.

Foreign Minister Aso makes formal bid for LDP leadership

Foreign Minister Aso makes formal bid for LDP leadership

TOKYO, Japan - Foreign Minister Taro Aso speaks at a meeting of his Liberal Democratic Party faction in Tokyo's Hirakawacho on Aug. 21. Aso made a formal announcement that he will run in September's election for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to succeed Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Foreign Minister Aso makes formal bid for LDP leadership

Foreign Minister Aso makes formal bid for LDP leadership

TOKYO, Japan - Foreign Minister Taro Aso speaks about his candidacy for the Sept. 20 election for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party at a news conference at the LDP's headquarters in Tokyo on Aug. 21.

Foreign Minister Aso makes formal bid for LDP leadership

Foreign Minister Aso makes formal bid for LDP leadership

TOKYO, Japan - Foreign Minister Taro Aso declares his candidacy in September's election for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in a speech at a meeting of his LDP faction in Tokyo's Hirakawacho on Aug. 21.

Foreign Minister Aso makes formal bid for LDP leadership

Foreign Minister Aso makes formal bid for LDP leadership

TOKYO, Japan - Foreign Minister Taro Aso speaks with reporters outside his residence in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward on Aug. 21. Later in the day, Aso made a formal announcement that he will run in September's election for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to succeed Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Tanigaki effectively declares candidacy for LDP leadership race

Tanigaki effectively declares candidacy for LDP leadership race

TOKYO, Japan - Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki speaks at a Tokyo hotel on May 15, effectively declaring his candidacy for September's poll for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

(10)LDP leadership race starts

(10)LDP leadership race starts

TOKYO, Japan - The four candidates in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) presidency election set for Sept. 20 shake hands after a joint press conference at party headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 8. (From R to L) are Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, former Transport Minister Takao Fujii, former LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Shizuka Kamei and former Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura.

LDP presidential race to start Mon., Koizumi reelection likely

LDP presidential race to start Mon., Koizumi reelection likely

TOKYO, Japan - Four contenders in the Sept. 20 election for presidency of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are (clockwise from top left) incumbent President and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, former LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Shizuka Kamei, former Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura and former Transport Minister Takao Fujii.

LDP's Kamei says will run for LDP presidency

LDP's Kamei says will run for LDP presidency

TOKYO, Japan - Shizuka Kamei, a key lawmaker of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party known to be at the forefront of anti-Koizumi forces, formally declares Sept. 3 that he will run for the party presidency later this month to challenge Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

(2)Hashimoto gives nod for Fujii to run against Koizumi

(2)Hashimoto gives nod for Fujii to run against Koizumi

TOKYO, Japan - Former transport minister Takao Fujii speaks at a general meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party's largest faction on Sept. 2 after he was endorsed as the faction's candidate for the LDP presidency.

(3)Hashimoto gives nod for Fujii to run against Koizumi

(3)Hashimoto gives nod for Fujii to run against Koizumi

TOKYO, Japan - Former transport minister Takao Fujii is surrounded by reporters Sept. 2 after he was endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party faction led by former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto as its candidate for the LDP presidency.

(2)Hashimoto faction to field 1 challenger to Koizumi

(2)Hashimoto faction to field 1 challenger to Koizumi

TOKYO, Japan - Takashi Sasagawa, a member of the largest faction within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), speaks to reporters on Sept. 1 as his faction is set to field a single challenger against the premier in the Sept. 20 poll for the party presidency. Sasagawa, who had sought to run in the party poll, withdrew the plan earlier in the day.

(1)Hashimoto faction to field 1 challenger to Koizumi

(1)Hashimoto faction to field 1 challenger to Koizumi

TOKYO, Japan - Takao Fujii, a former minister, speaks to reporters on Sept. 1 as the largest faction within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to field a single challenger against the premier in the Sept. 20 poll for the party presidency. Fujii emerged as the final choice after weeks of jockeying among possible challengers in the faction led by former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.

Ballot counting begins in 8 LDP presidency primaries

Ballot counting begins in 8 LDP presidency primaries

FUKUOKA, Japan - Fukuoka prefectural branch officials of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) count ballots cast in an LDP primary election at a hotel in Fukuoka city on April 21. Primary elections in eight of Japan's 47 prefectures began ahead of the party presidential election on April 24 to choose a successor to outgoing Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.

Second challenge at LDP presidency

Second challenge at LDP presidency

TOKYO, Japan - (From L to R) Ryutaro Hashimoto, Keizo Obuchi, Junichiro Koizumi and Seiroku Kajiyama shake hands in show of unity after the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election in July 1998. Obuchi won the election precipitated by Hashimoto's resignation as LDP president and prime minister.

LDP presidential contenders stage debate

LDP presidential contenders stage debate

TOKYO, Japan - The four contenders in the race for the presidency of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) take part in an open policy debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on April 18. The candidates are (from L) economics minister Taro Aso, former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, LDP policy chief Shizuka Kamei, and former health minister Junichiro Koizumi. The winner of the April 24 election is assured of the prime ministership, as the LDP and its allies control the Japanese parliament.

4 candidates vying for LDP presidency

4 candidates vying for LDP presidency

TOKYO, Japan - Former Heath and Welfare Minister Junichiro Koizumi (L), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) policy chief Shizuka Kamei (2nd from L), former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto (2nd from R) and Taro Aso (R), minister of economic and fiscal policy, join hands after their joint press conference at the LDP's headquarters in Tokyo on April 12. Earlier in the day, they filed their candidacies for the party's April 24 presidential race.

Hashimoto announces candidacy with apology for past mistakes

Hashimoto announces candidacy with apology for past mistakes

TOKYO, Japan - Former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, 63, throws up his fist April 12 after declaring his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) presidency with an apology for his past policies blamed for Japan's sagging economy. ''I will do my best to win, and I sincerely ask for your support toward this goal,'' Hashimoto said after his faction, the LDP's largest, approved a plan to field him in a meeting at a Tokyo hotel.

Premier Obuchi to reshuffle cabinet after LDP poll

Premier Obuchi to reshuffle cabinet after LDP poll

TOKYO, Sept. 4 Kyodo - Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi tells Kyodo News on Sept. 4 that he will carry out a major cabinet reshuffle after the Sept. 21 election for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidency. Obuchi warned challengers for the LDP presidency -- Koichi Kato and Taku Yamasaki -- that if he wins, as is widely expected, he would not appoint the two to senior party posts if both former LDP senior officials continue to criticize the planned tripartite alliance.

LDP presidential candidates meet

LDP presidential candidates meet

Three candidates for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) -- Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi (L), Health and Welfare Minister Junichiro Koizumi (C) and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiroku Kajiyama -- shake hands after their joint press conference July 21. The press conference was held at LDP headquarters in Tokyo after the three filed their candidacies for Friday's election.

Koizumi toasts for victory

Koizumi toasts for victory

Health and Welfare Minister Junichiro Koizumi (2nd from R) toasts with his supporters at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP headquarters in Tokyo on Tuesday July 21 after filing his candidacy for the LDP presidency that carries with it the premiership because the party holds majority in the House of Representatives.

Obuchi toasts for victory

Obuchi toasts for victory

Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi (R) toasts with his supporters at the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo on Tuesday July 21 after filing his candidacy for the LDP presidency, the post that carries the premiership because the party holds majority in the House of Representatives.