Who is Toshimitsu Motegi: former Foreign Minister and LDP veteran seeking Japan’s PM role

Former Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi announced Monday, September 8, his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election, positioning himself as a leading contender to become Japan's next prime minister following Shigeru Ishiba's resignation.

Multiple candidates emerge for Japan prime minister position

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, another former foreign minister, is also preparing a leadership bid, according to sources familiar with the matter. The leadership race accelerated after Ishiba announced his resignation Sunday, September 7, amid party pressure over poor electoral performance.

Also read: Japan's ex-Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi says he will run in LDP leadership race

"I have resolved to run in the presidential race," the 69-year-old Motegi told reporters. This marks his second leadership campaign after losing to Ishiba in the 2024 contest.

Who is Motegi, and what did he do for Japan?

Toshimitsu Motegi is a Japanese politician serving as Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a key role that makes him the party’s second-in-command. Born in 1955 in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, he studied at the University of Tokyo and later at Harvard University.

Motegi entered politics in the early 1990s after working as a journalist and in consulting. He has been elected multiple times to Japan’s House of Representatives.

Over his career, he has held several cabinet posts, including Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Minister for Foreign Affairs.

As foreign minister from 2019 to 2021, he played a central role in Japan’s diplomacy, particularly in strengthening ties with the United States and advancing regional trade agreements.

Known as a skilled negotiator, Motegi is considered a pragmatic and influential figure within the LDP, with experience that positions him as a potential contender for future party leadership.

Ishiba resignation triggers LDP leadership contest

Ishiba's decision to step down followed the party's dismal results in July's House of Councillors election. The prime minister communicated his resignation at Monday's party meeting, originally scheduled to discuss whether to hold a leadership contest.

"As a matter of course," Ishiba told reporters, acknowledging that Cabinet members are preparing leadership campaigns.

Additional candidates expected in LDP race

Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, who lost to Ishiba in the previous leadership race runoff, is expected to launch another campaign. A close ally of late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi maintains a hawkish national security stance.

Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, represents another potential candidate for the party presidency.

Leadership contest format and timeline

The LDP will determine the presidential race format and timing Tuesday or later. The party's executive leadership remains in place until the contest concludes, ensuring continuity during the transition period.

Also read: Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba signals he'll stay amid resignation calls

The winner of the LDP leadership race will become Japan's next prime minister, given the party's parliamentary majority. The contest represents a pivotal moment for Japanese politics as candidates present their visions for the country's future direction.