A former economic security minister of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Kobayashi Takayuki, has announced that he will run in the LDP's leadership election. The race comes after Japan's prime minister announced his decision to resign.



Kobayashi held a policy study session on Thursday afternoon to exchange views on the party's presidential election. More than 20 lawmakers attended the meeting, including those who endorsed him in last year's race. Some of them participated online.



Former Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu said they are a group that will work with Kobayashi for the sake of the party and the future of Japan. He said he wants to firmly support Kobayashi and advance together.



The chairperson of the LDP Diet Affairs Committee in the House of Councillors, Ishii Junichi, said he wants to give his full support if Kobayashi is determined to run.



Kobayashi later told reporters that he and his colleagues share a sense of crisis about Japan's future. He said Japan experienced 30 years of hardship after the collapse of the bubble economy. He said he cannot allow young people, who are the driving force of the country, to experience a similar situation.



Kobayashi said he wants to create a country in which the middle-class, young people and the working generation will be more energized and can have dreams and hope for the future. He said he has made up his mind to run in the LDP leadership election.



He also said that he made the decision because he felt that he could secure the necessary endorsements from 20 lawmakers.
Kobayashi plans to hold a news conference next week to explain his policies.
----------------

Quiz 1:
Who announced that they will run in the LDP's leadership election?
A. Former Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu
B. The chairperson of the LDP Diet Affairs Committee, Ishii Junichi
C. Kobayashi Takayuki
D. Japan's prime minister (Name not provided in article)

Quiz 2:
What is the role of the LDP Diet Affairs Committee Chairperson mentioned in the article?
A. Economic security minister
B. Defense Minister
C. The chairperson of the LDP in the House of Councillors
D. Prime Minister of Japan

Quiz 3:
Why did Kobayashi Takayashi announce his decision to run for the LDP leadership election?
A. He felt he could secure the necessary endorsements from 20 lawmakers.
B. He wants to create a country where young people can have dreams and hope for the future.
C. Japan experienced 30 years of hardship after the collapse of the bubble economy.
D. To exchange views on the party's presidential election.

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: C
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: A