Shinzo Abe declares candidacy for LDP leadership race

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 63, has been Japan's prime minister since December 2012. He will become Japan's longest-serving prime minister if he wins the contest. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, 61, served in other key posts such as LDP secretary general and minister in charge of revitalizing local economies.

According to the latest Kyodo News opinion poll, 36.3 percent of respondents selected Abe as the most appropriate choice for LDP president, while 31.3 percent picked Ishiba. The vote for LDP leadership election is set to take place on September 20th.