Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi announces bid for LDP president

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa has announced Tuesday that he will run for president of the country's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. It will be his second bid to become the party leader. Hayashi said that although the current situation is very severe, he is determined to seek the LDP presidency.

He offered a deep apology for the party's political funds scandal. He appealed for a chance to make use of all his experiences and achievements to serve the country. Hayashi is the fourth person to enter the race after former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi, former LDP Secretary-General Ishiba and Digital Transformation Minister Taro.