Japan's ex-economic security minister announces bid for LDP leadership

At a news conference in Tokyo on Monday, Japan's former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki said he will run in the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election to be held next month.

The LDP plans to hold an election to decide who will succeed its outgoing president, Prime Minister Kishida. Kobayashi pledged to all LDP members and the people of Japan that the party will be reborn. He also promised he will take on the challenge to start a new era.