Economic security minister Sanae Takaichi is stepping up her activities with an eye toward the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election expected to be held this September.
The 63-year-old plans to hold a string of events around the country in July and August, as well as publish a book on Monday, the second anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who backed Takaichi in the previous LDP leadership race in 2021.
"I don't have anything to say," Takaichi told reporters with a smile when asked about whether she will run in the upcoming election, during a news conference held on Friday.