Yoshimasa Hayashi seen as LDP leadership contender after Cabinet exit

Former internal affairs minister Yoshimasa Hayashi gives a speech in Tokyo on Friday. | JIJI

Jiji

Sep 22, 2026

Former internal affairs minister Yoshimasa Hayashi is drawing attention within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party regarding his next move after leaving the Cabinet in a reshuffle on Thursday.

Of the four candidates who ran against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the party’s leadership election last autumn, Hayashi was the only one not to remain in either a Cabinet or senior party post in the latest personnel changes. He also quickly announced his intention to continue his regional tours.

Those close to the prime minister are increasingly wary that Hayashi could emerge as a rallying point for forces opposed to Takaichi in the party leadership election next autumn.

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