Hard-right economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, 63, regularly visits Tokyo’s Yasukuni war shrine, which will likely infuriate China and South Korea if she wins.
And although her support within the party is limited, sitting foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa, 71, is seen as a deft leader who aspires to mentor younger female politicians.
Outspoken reformist Taro Kono, 61, is also a candidate, as is Toshimitsu Motegi, dubbed the “Trump whisperer” for his handling of the former US president in tough trade talks.
Others include chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, the only other candidate under 50 along with Koizumi.
Displayed outside its party headquarters on Thursday was a large poster reading “The Match” with black-and-white photos of previous leaders.
SNAP POLLS PREDICTED
Speculation is rife in local media that the winner will call a snap election as soon as late October or early November.
The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party is also in the midst of its own leadership contest.
The LDP race is seen as the most open in years, with Kishida having pushed many of the party’s powerful factions to disband following a damaging slush fund scandal.
“A healthy degree of policy debate has been taking place as the LDP seeks renewal,” said analyst James Brady, vice president of consultancy firm Teneo.
“Most candidates are making generous spending promises, while some oppose planned tax hikes,” he wrote in a note.
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