The gate is open and the horses are off and running.

2006 is sure to be an eventful year for politics. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's term as Liberal Democratic Party president ends in September and four men are already jockeying to demonstrate their ability and ambition to succeed him.

They are Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe, 51, former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda, 69, Foreign Minister Taro Aso, 65, and Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, 60.