Photo/Illutration Yoshimasa Hayashi, chief Cabinet secretary, announces his candidacy for the LDP presidential election during a news conference at the Diet on Sept. 3. (Takeshi Iwashita)

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced on Sept. 3 that he will run in the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election later this month.

At a news conference, Hayashi, 63, apologized for the political funds scandal that engulfed factions of the ruling party, saying, “First of all, I sincerely apologize for the significant trouble and concern the party has caused.

“I am fully committed to restoring trust in the LDP and bringing back a politics that truly resonates with the public,” he said.

Next year marks Hayashi's 30th year as a lawmaker, a career studded with various key positions.

He cited his experience as minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries; minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology; and foreign affairs minister.

“I would like to put all my experience and achievements to use for the good of this country,” said Hayashi.

On policy, he emphasized the need for medium- to long-term measures to address the declining birthrate.

“I would like to eliminate the issue of people remaining single against their wishes by reducing disparities through raising standards, as well as by revitalizing local communities and creating jobs in those areas,” he said.

Hayashi won a Lower House seat in 2021, running in the Yamaguchi No. 3 district.

Before that, he served five consecutive terms in the Upper House, where he was first elected in 1995 from the Yamaguchi constituency.

In December last year, he was appointed as chief Cabinet secretary, succeeding Hirokazu Matsuno, who resigned following the political funds scandal.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who will not run in the LDP election on Sept. 27, came under fire for his response to it.

Hayashi belonged to an intraparty faction led by Kishida that was dissolved following the scandal.

This marks Hayashi’s second run for the party presidency, with his first attempt being in 2012.

Related News