Campaigning for the Liberal Democratic Party's Sept. 20 presidential election started on Monday with three men challenging Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. The winner will become the prime minister, since the LDP holds a majority in the Lower House. The next president, who has an extended term of three years, will head the government until the autumn of 2006 unless the party suffers a defeat in a general election expected later this year and in next summer's Upper House election.

By all indications, Prime Minister Koizumi maintains a clear lead. A staunch advocate of faction-free politics, he enjoys support across a broad spectrum of intraparty groups. His chief promise remains the same: "structural reform with no sacred cows." But the reality remains grim, as the economy continues to struggle against the pressures of deflation. What is needed is a blueprint for achieving solid economic growth while promoting reforms.

Also at issue is a range of noneconomic policy matters, particularly those related to foreign policy and national security. So, too, are the challenges of an aging society, such as improving pension and welfare systems. The candidates should conduct a hard-hitting debate on Japan's future, for they are speaking not only to LDP voters but also to the national audience.