Japan’s Rice Minister Koizumi Says Will Bid for Party Leadership

Japan’s Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi says he will run in the ruling party leadership race as the Liberal Democratic Party looks for a successor capable of turning around its prospects and leading the nation.

“It’s true that I told my supporters of my intentions,” Koizumi told reporters at his regular press conference on Tuesday, referring to a meeting the weekend with local party supporters. “I will put together my campaign step by step as I head toward a formal declaration.”