The battle to succeed Kishida as PM begins.

The contest to become the next leader of Japan began on Thursday, when a number of current and former cabinet officials declared their intention to participate in the leadership race of the governing Liberal Democratic Party the next month, only one day after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida abruptly announced his intention to not run.

The outgoing premier is described by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi as saying that all ministers are free to enter the contest; but, the top government spokesperson, who is seen as close to Kishida, declined to indicate if he will.

Ministers of Economic Security Sanae Takaichi and Digital Taro Kono have declared their desire to govern Japan as its future leader.

Reform-minded and social media savvy maverick Kono stated that he wants to “make use of” his experience holding ministerial positions. The son of Yohei Kono, who led the LDP while it was in opposition in the 1990s, he has served as foreign and defense ministers.

Takaichi, a female member well-known for her hardline stance on security issues, told reporters that she and her colleagues legislators are on a “mission” to leave the next generation with a stronger and wealthier Japan.

Takayuki Kobayashi, a former minister of economic security and a fourth-term member of the House of Representatives, was also perceived as eager to run, stating to reporters that “the only thing I can do is to improve my abilities as a politician.”

On the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II, Takaichi and Kobayashi had earlier in the day visited Tokyo’s Yasukuni shrine, which is seen as a reminder of Japan’s past militarism, ostensibly in an attempt to win over conservative party members.

Meanwhile, Industry Minister Ken Saito stated that he is “beginning to think that I need to listen seriously to those voices” after receiving several requests to run for president. He has held many ministerial positions in the past.

In light of the slush fund controversy that has rocked the governing party since late last year and caused his cabinet’s popularity to plummet ahead of a general election that must be called by October of next year, Kishida said on Wednesday that he has chosen not to run for reelection as LDP leader.

Potential candidates include the well-liked former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba, LDP secretary general Toshimitsu Motegi, and former environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi.