At the time of writing, Japan has kicked off official election campaigning for the new head of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Four candidates are competing in the 29 September vote to replace outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is stepping down at the end of this month after serving one year of office.

The winner of the LDP vote is almost certain to become the country’s next Prime Minister at a General Election in November.

Unusually for Japan, two women are competing in the race for PM.  On 17 September the four candidates each submitted their official candidacy at party headquarters in Tokyo ahead of a series of joint public debate sessions and other campaigning planned over the next 12 days.

The candidates are: Taro Kono, Fumio Kishida, Sanae Takaichi, and a late entry by Seiko Noda. Their policies include responses to the pandemic and its economic fallout, the creation of a more diverse and inclusive Japan, and the increasing role China has played in regional affairs.

And now what? On 30 September, the day after the new LDP leader is elected, the Japan Society is pleased to be partnering with the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan for an online session to explore what the outcome of this election could mean for Japan going forward. Is this the moment the country has been waiting for to reshape its regional political prowess? Will the winner take on the daunting task of reforming the LDP? How will this impact the state of the LDP as we know it? And is Japan ready for its first female Prime Minister?

In a 90-minute session, our panel of experts will tackle the above questions and more, in a conversation led by Bill Emmott, Chairman of the Japan Society in the UK. Join us for some political excitement – share your thoughts, ask your questions, or simply sit back and enjoy.

For more details on the event speakers, please visit the Japan Society website.

If you have any questions, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk.