Japan chief cabinet secretary Hayashi intends to run in next LDP presidential election, Kyodo reports

Japan chief cabinet secretary Hayashi intends to run in next LDP presidential election, Kyodo reports

In a significant development for Japan's political landscape, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has announced his intention to run in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, according to a report by Kyodo News [1].

Hayashi's decision to enter the race comes after the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down following a series of election losses for the ruling coalition. The LDP leadership election will now determine who will succeed Ishiba as prime minister, with the winner needing to secure a majority vote in parliament [1].

Hayashi, who has been in his current position since December 2023 under former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Ishiba, has held various portfolios throughout his career, including defense, foreign affairs, and agriculture. He is known for his fluency in English and his experience working for trading house Mitsui & Co., as well as his time as a staffer for U.S. Representative Stephen Neal and Senator William Roth Jr. [1].

Hayashi has repeatedly called for respecting the independence of the Bank of Japan (BOJ) on monetary policy and has been vocal about the need for economic stability. His stance on economic policy is expected to be a key factor in the upcoming election, as the BOJ's interest rate hikes and stimulus measures have been a contentious issue [1].

The LDP presidential election will be closely watched by investors and financial professionals, as the outcome will have significant implications for Japan's economic policies. With Hayashi's announcement, the race for the LDP presidency is shaping up to be a competitive one, with several notable candidates already in the mix, including Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi [1].

The election is set to take place in the coming weeks, with the winner expected to be announced shortly thereafter. The new prime minister will face the challenge of restoring public trust in the government and implementing policies that can address Japan's economic challenges, including its aging population and stagnant growth [1].

References:

[1] Reuters. (2021, September 7). Who could replace Ishiba? Japan's prime minister 2025-09-07. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/who-could-replace-ishiba-japans-prime-minister-2025-09-07/