Race to become Japan’s prime minister

Fumio Kishida’s decision not to run for a second term as leader of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), opens the way for a race to succeed him as prime minister
    

Shigeru Ishiba, 67 
Four-time candidate for LDP president and former defence minister, he regularly tops list of politicians voters would like to see as next premier
 
Taro Kono, 61 
Minister for digital transformation is outspoken maverick and fluent English speaker. He has also served as foreign and defence ministers
 
Yoko Kamikawa, 71 
Foreign minister and Harvard graduate known for promoting women candidates within LDP and for signing off up to 16 executions while being justice minister
   
Toshimitsu Motegi, 68 
Current LDP secretary-general has served in many cabinet posts, including as foreign and trade ministers.
He has reputation as tough negotiator

Shinjiro Koizumi, 43 
Former environment minister and son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, has cultivated image of reformer without offending party elders
 
Sanae Takaichi, 63 
Minister for economic security and staunch conservative who frequently visits Yasukuni Shrine, regarded as symbol of Japan’s past militarism
 

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters 
Pictures: Newscom 
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