Japan's Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae says she will run in the leadership race for the country's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The winner is poised to become Japan's next prime minister.

On Monday at the Diet, Takaichi told reporters: "I believe a nation's ultimate mission is to protect the lives and property of its citizens, to safeguard its territory, waters, airspace, and resources, to defend its sovereignty and honor. In order to achieve this, Japan must strengthen its power through diplomacy, defense, the economy, information and technology, and human resources."

Takaichi hopes to become the country's first female prime minister. The race is set to decide the successor to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. Kishida announced last month he won't be running for LDP leadership again.

The campaign will begin Thursday, followed by the election on September 27.