TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko said Wednesday that she will run in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership election on Sept. 27.

It is the first time for her to run in an LDP leadership election. She became the second female contender to announce a candidacy in the upcoming race after economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, 63.

Kamikawa, 71, is expected to pledge to implement measures to increase women’s income, promote their political participation and tackle the declining birthrate.

Speaking to reporters in Tokyo before declaring her candidacy, Kamikawa said, “I’ve been engaged in political activities with the belief that I will not leave anyone behind.”

“I will listen carefully to the voices of people in very weak positions and make efforts to have such voices reflected in policies,” she added.

Kamikawa met with Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio, also LDP president, at the prime minister’s office and conveyed her decision to run in the leadership election. Kishida said that he wants her to do her best.

Kamikawa has been elected to the House of Representatives seven times. She had belonged to the now-defunct LDP faction that was led by Kishida.

She has served as justice minister, minister in charge of measures to address the declining birthrate and acting LDP secretary-general.

The foreign minister came under the spotlight after LDP Vice President ASO Taro praised her as a rising star in January.

Besides Kamikawa and Takaichi, seven people have announced their candidacies in the LDP race, including former party Secretary-General ISHIBA Shigeru, 67, former Environment Minister KOIZUMI Shinjiro, 43, and digital transformation minister KONO Taro, 61.

JIJI Press