LDP Presidential Election Candidate Debate

TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 14: Candidates for Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) presidential election stand together on stage before a debate at the Nixon Kisha Club in Tokyo, Japan. Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is currently in the midst of a leadership election, with the official campaign period commencing on September 12, 2024. Candidates pictured are (L-R) Economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, former chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato, Digital Minister Taro Kono, former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba and Liberal Democratic Party secretary general Toshimitsu Motegi. The election will determine the party's new president, who is expected to become the next prime minister due to the LDP's majority in the National Diet. This election follows the decision of current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida not to seek re-election. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)