Takaichi Joins LDP Leadership Race

Tokyo, Sept. 19 (Jiji Press)–Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday announced her candidacy for the leadership race of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Announcing her bid for the Oct. 4 election at a press conference, Takaichi, 64, emphasized her plan to work on designing a refundable tax credit program, which combines tax cuts and cash benefits. She also said she aims to raise the minimum taxable income level. Meanwhile, agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, who has already indicated his intention to run in the LDP election, plans to explain his policies at a press conference to be held in Tokyo on Saturday. The race to select a successor to Shigeru Ishiba, outgoing LDP president and Japanese prime minister, is set to kick off officially on Monday. A hike in the minimum taxable income level has been pushed by the opposition Democratic Party for the People, while a refundable tax credit program has been advocated by the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Takaichi also called for the establishment of a backup system for the functions of Japan’s capital, similar to a proposal by Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), also an opposition party, to set up the country’s second capital, as well as the abolition of the provisional gasoline tax rate, which has already been agreed on between the ruling and opposition camps. Meanwhile, she sounded negative about a proposal by the LDP and its Komeito ally to provide citizens with cash benefits, which was one of the pledges the ruling pair made in the July election for the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Diet, or Japanese parliament. By supporting these opposition-proposed measures, Takaichi apparently aims to win cooperation from the opposition side in running the government. The ruling coalition suffered huge setbacks in last October’s election for the House of Representatives, the lower chamber, and the July Upper House election, losing its majority in both chambers of the Diet. Takaichi said that the LDP and Komeito “should basically continue to form the government.” At the same time, she showed a positive stance on expanding the government framework, saying, “I will consider forming a coalition also with opposition parties whose basic policies match ours.” “What is important is economic growth brought by responsible and positive fiscal policies, not fiscal consolidation itself,” Takaichi said. She called for realizing safety and security as well as a strong economy through investments in policies related to crisis management and in growth areas. As for policies on foreigners, Takaichi proposed setting up a headquarters to consider measures against illegal stays and regulations on land acquisition. She also pledged to enact an anti-espionage law. On economic security, she promised to create a committee to screen foreign investments in Japan. Takaichi reiterated her intention to revise the Constitution. As to whether she will continue her practice of visiting war-related Yasukuni Shrine if she becomes prime minister, Takaichi said, “There is no change in my feeling of gratitude to those who sacrificed themselves for our country.” The Shinto shrine in Tokyo is regarded as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism by other Asian nations such as China and South Korea because it enshrines Class-A World War II criminals along with the war dead. Koizumi held a ceremony in Tokyo on Friday for the opening of his election headquarters, attended by Seiji Kihara, head of the LDP’s Election Strategy Committee, former Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki. Before the event, Kono, who ran in last year’s LDP leadership election, said that he will not join the race this time. Among other likely candidates, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, 64, held a meeting of his camp, while former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi, 69, phoned local assembly members of the LDP to seek their support. Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, 50, visited a metal parts processing company in Tokyo. Former Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, who competed in the 2024 LDP election, has decided not to run this time. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]