Race to become Japan’s prime minister
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The ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan is to elect its new leader following Yoshihide Suga’s decision to step down. The successful candidate will lead the world’s third-largest economy
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TARO KONO, 58
Administrative reform minister

Fluent English speaker, educated at Georgetown University, U.S. Has served as defence and foreign minister

Favourite with business leaders, wants cuts to health and social security budget which has soared with ageing population
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FUMIO KISHIDA, 64
Former foreign minister

Low-profile lawmaker, seen as likely heir of Shinzo Abe, but came second in last year’s party leadership poll

Wants stimulus package worth “tens of trillions of yen” to combat pandemic, and keep ultra-low interest rates to support economy
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SHIGERU ISHIBA, 64
Former defence minister

Mild-mannered security expert, Ishiba often ranks high in media polls but is less popular with party MPs

Critical of Bank of Japan’s ultra-low interest rates, which
he says disadvantage regional banks and firms that rely on them
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SANAE TAKAICHI, 60
Former internal affairs minister

Has made clear her desire to become Japan’s first female prime minister, but has little party support
 
Staunch conservative and fan of “Abenomics”, wants Japan to hold on to key technologies
in face of competition from China
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 Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS