**Liberal Democratic Party Faces Leadership Change Amid Challenges** Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a dominant force in the nation's politics since 1955, is experiencing significant turmoil. The party, which has governed almost continuously, is now grappling with a series of scandals and shifting voter expectations that have led to its current status as a minority government. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation after just one year in office, prompting the LDP to seek a new leader. The LDP has traditionally been viewed as a stable choice by Japan's aging population. Since 1999, it has governed in coalition with Komeito, a pacifist and socially conservative party. However, recent years have seen increasing instability, driven by rising inflation and geopolitical tensions. Voters are feeling the strain of a cost-of-living crisis, and many are looking to the government for solutions. "The overwhelming majority of LDP supporters backed the party for its economic policies and cooperation with the US," said Professor Naoko Taniguchi from Keio University. She noted that the changing political landscape in the United States has raised concerns about Japan's alliance with America, further complicating the LDP's position. Ishiba's resignation follows a series of scandals that have plagued the party, including a political slush fund that implicated several high-profile members. His predecessor, Fumio Kishida, resigned amid criticism of his leadership, which was perceived as ineffective in addressing these issues. Ishiba's attempt to call a snap election resulted in a minority government, leading to his decision to step down. The LDP is set to vote on its new leader this Saturday, with the winner expected to become the next prime minister, pending parliamentary approval. Five candidates are in the running, with two frontrunners emerging: Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi. Takaichi, a prominent figure within the LDP, is known for her conservative views and admiration for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. If elected, she would make history as Japan's first female prime minister. "She's likely to appeal to the core traditional conservative base," Taniguchi said, though she cautioned that Takaichi's appeal might be limited within the party. On the other hand, Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, represents a more moderate approach. If successful, he would become Japan's youngest prime minister since World War II. Taniguchi described him as someone who could foster consensus within the party and with opposition groups. Takaichi is making her second bid for the leadership after narrowly losing last year. While her conservative stance may resonate with some, Koizumi's recent performance as agriculture minister has shifted public perception of him, making him a viable candidate. Another contender, Defence Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, is seen as a less divisive option but may not inspire younger voters dissatisfied with the current political climate. Voter turnout in Japan has been declining, with only 53.85% participating in last year's lower house elections, the third lowest in history. Taniguchi noted that the lack of viable alternatives among opposition parties could lead Japan to move away from a two-party system toward a multi-party coalition model. "No single party has emerged that can become the core of a government on its own," she said, suggesting a shift toward multi-party decentralization in Japanese politics.