Japanese former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi and Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi pose after delivering speeches at the kick-off of the campaign for the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, September 22, 2025. Five lawmakers are running for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Franck Robichon/Pool via REUTERS