Japan - August 20, 2024

Tokyo residents are paying close attention to the leadership election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) scheduled for September 27 after current LDP President Fumio Kishida decided to step down on Aug 14.

Kishida announced that he will not be running for a second term as the LDP leader, which also means that he will step down as Japan's prime minister when his term ends in September.

More than 10 lawmakers are said to be considering running for the party presidency, which will lead them to become the country's next prime minister.

Although the general public does not vote in party elections, there is still widespread interest.

Sanae Takaichi is a veteran politician, elected nine times, currently serving as Minister of State for Economic Security since 2022.

Some wanted change from the old party politics.

Some are skeptical about LDP's ability to change, saying it does not matter who will take over.

The campaigning for the election will begin from Sept 12 and the voting for the party president will take place on Sept 27.

Shotlist:
Tokyo, Japan - Aug 20, 2024:
1. Various of pedestrians;
2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Tokyo resident (name not given) (starting with shot 1):
"I have a strong interest, because it essentially means we are choosing the next prime minister. I think Sanae Takaichi would be good. I think she thinks about what is best for the country.";
Tokyo, Japan - Aug 14, 2024
3. Various of headquarters of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), sign;
Tokyo, Japan - Aug 20, 2024
4. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Tokyo resident (name not given):
"It might be difficult, but I want to see someone from the younger generation taking the post.";
Tokyo, Japan - Aug 14, 2024
5. Information board of LDP;
Tokyo, Japan - Aug 20, 2024
6. Pedestrians;
7. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Tokyo resident (name not given) (starting with shot 6):
"I don't think there's going to be any change, because they will all get into an existing framework.";
FILE: Tokyo, Japan - Date Unknown
8. Various of National Diet of Japan;
9. Traffic sign reading "The National Diet Main Gate";
10. Various of Japanese national flag;
FILE: Tokyo, Japan - May 30, 2023
11. National Diet building.

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