In contrast, Kamikawa has opted to remain low profile despite her rising public popularity as one of the suitable candidates to become prime minister in Japan. Called a “rising star” by LDP kingmaker Aso Taro, Kamikawa is known for her low-key, practical style and majime (serious or diligent) demeanour.
The election of a trailblazing female prime minister could galvanise the public in the short term, especially if the LDP can positively reposition itself as a reformed party that is forward-looking and future-focused – in a similar manner to US Vice President Kamala Harris, who has re-energised and instilled hope in the Democratic ticket ahead of the upcoming US presidential election.
Unlike President Joe Biden, however, Prime Minister Kishida has not endorsed a successor.
As a member of the now-disbanded faction headed by Kishida, it would have been difficult for Kamikawa to express any ambition to run for the top office before he stepped down. This could change if Kishida decides to throw his support behind her.
To avoid defeat at the next general elections, it is important that the LDP picks someone who is not connected to the corruption scandals. Despite scrutiny over a gender stereotyping comment, Kamikawa’s reputation has largely remained untainted by political scandals, and this clean image could be an asset to the LDP in restoring public trust.
NO OBVIOUS FRONTRUNNER
Nevertheless, electing a woman to the top job would be a challenge in Japan’s conservative political climate, and it’s an open question whether radical reforms would ultimately be pursued. Currently, the race for Japanese leadership is wide open, with no obvious frontrunner.
Other potential candidates include former defence minister Ishiba Shigeru, who has polled favourably as the public’s top choice to be the next prime minister; former foreign minister Taro Kono; and the younger Shinjiro Koizumi, a former environment minister and the son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Contenders would first need to get the support of 20 lawmakers to recommend them to office. As this is the first leadership election since most of the LDP’s factions dissolved, it is difficult to predict how the lawmakers might vote.
