The race to succeed Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is down to two main candidates, Shigeru Ishiba and Sanae Takaichi, following a crowded initial round involving nine contenders. The leadership election, scheduled for September 27, aims to restore public trust in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) amid scandals that have plagued Kishida's tenure. Ishiba, advocating for a shift to renewable energy and economic reforms, and Takaichi, who seeks to become Japan's first female prime minister, lead the competition. Shinjiro Koizumi, the youngest candidate, also presents a challenge with his modernizing agenda. The voting system involves both LDP lawmakers and rank-and-file members, with a runoff scheduled if no candidate achieves a majority. The winner will face pressing issues including rising living costs and regional security threats from China and Russia.