日本改革派人物小泉进次郎参选自民党总裁，日元应声走强

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming leadership election within Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is seen as a critical opportunity for change, with key candidates including Shinjiro Koizumi and Sanae Takaichi, each representing different economic policies and political ideologies [1][2][3]. Candidate Overview - Shinjiro Koizumi, the current Minister of Agriculture, has announced his candidacy and is viewed as a potential agent of generational change within the LDP, emphasizing reform as a core campaign theme [3][5]. - Sanae Takaichi, another prominent candidate, has criticized the Bank of Japan's interest rate hikes and may advocate for a slower pace of monetary tightening if elected [1][3]. - Yoshihide Suga's administration has faced challenges, leading to a loss of majority in both houses of the Diet, prompting the need for a new leader to revitalize the party [2][3]. Election Dynamics - The election is expected to be competitive, with Koizumi currently polling at 23% and Takaichi at 28%, while Yoshifumi Hayashi trails at 11% [3]. - The entry of Yoshifumi Hayashi may split the votes that would have supported Koizumi and Takaichi, reminiscent of previous election dynamics that led to unexpected outcomes [2][3]. Economic Implications - The strengthening of the yen against the dollar, moving from 147.54 to 147.02, is partially attributed to Koizumi's announcement, indicating market sensitivity to political developments [1]. - Analysts suggest that Koizumi's potential leadership could lead to less volatility in financial markets compared to Takaichi's more aggressive economic policies [5]. Campaign Strategy - Koizumi has appointed Katsunobu Kato, a seasoned politician, as his campaign team leader to enhance his political influence and credibility [4]. - The campaign activities for the LDP presidential election will commence on September 22, with voting scheduled for October 4 [5].