Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party has opened official campaigning to replace its leader, outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

The only woman in the leadership race for Japan's ruling party vowed Monday to improve the gender balance in her cabinet to "Nordic" levels and to ensure "peaceful" coexistence with foreigners.Sanae Takaichi would be Japan's first woman prime minister if she wins the October 4 contest to head the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and then secures enough support in parliament.

Japan's veteran lawmaker Sanae Takaichi, a contender to be the next prime minister, said on Tuesday the government should issue additional government bonds if necessary to fund measures to cushion a blow from rising living costs.

Sanae Takaichi, a conservative hardliner known for supporting aggressive monetary easing and fiscal spending, declared her intention to run in the contest to become the next leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Tuesday he is arranging a brief exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump, as he departed

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party will elect a new leader on October 4 to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, senior party lawmakers said on Tuesday, after a formal contest rather than a simplified voting procedure.

The winner will have to deal with high prices, territorial disputes and Mr Donald Trump. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi speaks during a leadership election campaign of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 22, 2025. Japan's ruling LDP officially launched its leadership election campaign on Monday, with five candidates filing their candidacies. (Franck Robichon/Pool via Xinhua)