Japan's Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko has announced she is entering the race for the top post of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Kamikawa said she has gathered the endorsement needed to run in the election and will "work tirelessly, so that the people will call for their first female Prime Minister."

In addition to the post of foreign minister, she has also served as justice minister and minister in charge of declining birthrate measures.

She is planning to hold a news conference on Wednesday and will announce her main policies.

The race was triggered last month, when Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced he won't be running for the leadership again. His successor will become Japan's next prime minister.

The official election campaign will begin Thursday, with the winner being decided on September 27.