Nine candidates for the Japan Liberal Democratic Party presidential election attend a joint press conference at the LDP's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on September 13, 2024. From left to right, the Economic Security Minister Sanae TAKAICHI, the former Economic Security Minister Takayuki KOBAYASHI, the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa HAYASHI, the former Environment Minister Shinjiro KOIZUMI, the Foreign Minister Yoko KAMIKAWA, the former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu KATO, the Digital Minister Taro KONO, the former Secretary-General Shigeru ISHIBA, and the Secretary-General Toshimitsu MOTEGI. ( The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )