Japan LDP Runoff: Takaichi vs Koizumi

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party held a runoff between Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi after no candidate won a majority in a five-way first round. Takaichi, 64, a right-leaning conservative who led the first round with 183 votes, faces Koizumi, 44, who polled 164 and enjoys stronger support among lawmakers. Moderate Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and former ministers Takayuki Kobayashi and Toshimitsu Motegi were eliminated after the first round. The runoff will be decided by 295 parliamentary votes plus 47 prefectural chapter votes and is likely to determine Japan’s next prime minister later this month, with the winner expected to be confirmed by parliament. The new leader is expected to focus on reuniting the LDP, restoring public support amid cost-of-living pressures and reconnecting with younger voters, while both frontrunners have faced campaign controversies.