Koizumi prepares unity pitch as race takes shape

key takeaways

• The five expected candidates have all indicated that they intend to run for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership, finalizing the field ahead of the 22 September filing deadline.
• Koizumi Shinjirō is the likely frontrunner, with strong bases of support among lawmakers and rank-and-file members – and he may be taking a different approach this year, running as a unity candidate who can draw support from across the party.