Shinjiro Koizumi Faces Greater Challenge in Securing Wife’s Permission Than in Gathering Supporters for Party Leadership Election

On September 27, Shinjiro Koizumi, former Minister of the Environment, emerged as a leading candidate in the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election.

On August 20, the media simultaneously reported:

“Shinjiro Koizumi to Run for Party Leadership Election”

According to sources, Koizumi informed senior LDP members:

“I will run in the presidential election. We have worked together for a long time, so I wanted to let you know.”

He reportedly conveyed his intention to run.

Various media outlets are conducting preliminary surveys on who is most suitable to be the next Prime Minister.

The top candidate is former Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba, but there is a competitive atmosphere for second place and beyond. In one survey, Shinjiro Koizumi is shown to be in second place behind Ishiba.

On the 19th, Koizumi had a meal with Economic Minister Ken Saito, who has expressed his enthusiasm for running in the presidential election. Saito and Koizumi were elected in the same year and have a close relationship, so there is a possibility of cooperation in the election.

“Another young candidate, Takayuki Kobayashi, known as ‘Kobahawk,’ declared his intention to run early. He is also promising for the future, but becoming the LDP president is a high hurdle. However, it is very meaningful for Koizumi to help make the LDP appear rejuvenated” (according to an insider in Nagatacho).

The likelihood of the leadership election being decided in the first round of voting is low, given the proliferation of candidates. The camp of Shinjiro Koizumi believes:

“If it goes to a runoff vote, we think we can win. In addition to local votes, there is a possibility that many young lawmakers will turn to support Koizumi.”

Reportedly.

The confusion within the Liberal Democratic Party began with the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

As if a large gear had fallen out, issues like the Unification Church scandal and financial scandals have been brought to light. Prime Minister Kishida struggled desperately but ultimately gave up. It seems that, in the blink of an eye, the opportunity has shifted to Koizumi.

The sports newspaper’s political reporter said:

“Perhaps even Koizumi himself did not expect that the wind would blow in his favor so quickly.”

And they said this with a wry smile.

With Shinjiro Koizumi now emerging as a leading candidate, his wife, Cristel Takigawa, is considered the front-runner for the role of “First Lady.”

Koizumi and Takigawa made a surprising announcement in August 2019 about their marriage and pregnancy. Subsequently, they welcomed a baby boy in January 2020 and a baby girl in November 2023. What is the daily life of the Koizumi family like?

“Taki Kuri (Takigawa) completely dominates Shinjiro. Before they had children, walking the dog was part of Shinjiro’s daily routine. There was even a joke about the household pyramid: ‘Taki Kuri → the pet dog → Shinjiro.’

With children now, Shinjiro’s work has increased even more, and taking the children to daycare has become his responsibility. Due to prioritizing childcare, it is also difficult to schedule evening appointments, and if he does, he needs his wife’s permission.”

Takigawa Cristel, who uses her influence over the future prime minister candidate, Koizumi, is a significant factor. To run in the leadership election, 20 endorsers are needed, but for Koizumi, it seems:

“Getting approval from Takigawa may have been more challenging than securing endorsers” (according to someone who knows Koizumi).

On the internet, 

“Takigawa’s sense of victory is overwhelming.”

“Choosing Koizumi was the right decision.”

“Is Takigawa finally making her diplomatic debut!?”

Such opinions are also heard.

“Shinjiro Koizumi’s backer is former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Koizumi promptly reported his marriage to Takigawa and they have a close family relationship. I believe Suga envisions not only Koizumi but also Takigawa, who stands out at receptions with international dignitaries” (according to a political reporter from a national newspaper).

In the unpredictable world of politics, it’s unclear what will happen until the voting day, but it seems certain that this is a big opportunity not just for Koizumi but also for Takigawa.