Who Will Become Japan’s New Prime Minister? [Video]

Japan could witness its first female prime minister, as its ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) prepares for a crucial leadership vote on Friday to select a successor to outgoing leader, Fumio Kishida.

Among the record nine candidates, Shigeru Ishiba, a former defense minister, ranks first in media polls, followed by Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

Of the two women being put forward, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi is the favorite. She is the third favorite overall.

Takaichi is viewed favorably in media circles but faces criticism for her conservative views on gender roles, while the other woman in the running, the less popular Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is seen as a safer, though less progressive, option.

Women constitute …