Japan's ruling LDP to elect its new leader: 5 things to know

Outcome could fundamentally change the ruling party's image

Japan's next prime minister will emerge from the forthcoming LDP leadership race. The candidates at party headquarters on Sept. 17, from left: Taro Kono, Fumio Kushida, Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai)

MITSURU OBE, Nikkei Asia chief business news correspondent

September 18, 2021 12:00 JST

TOKYO -- The campaign to lead Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party officially kicked off on Friday. The triennial leadership election, which will effectively pick the successor to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, will be held on Sept. 29. What is the process? Here are five things to know.

How is the leadership election held?