But while both candidates remain front runners, analysts say the campaign has been defined more by controversy than substance – a reflection of their cautious strategies, limited policy experience and the media’s search for spectacle in a race lacking bold ideas.
Koizumi’s campaign has come under fire following accusations that it pressured party members to post online messages that praised Koizumi and criticised his rivals.
The Koizumi loyalist behind the campaign, Karen Makishima, resigned from her post, but not before she received death threats and a bomb scare at her office. Koizumi has also personally apologised, although that has fallen short of the demands of some.
Seiji Maehara, the former joint leader of the Japan Innovation Party, said on Monday that Koizumi should withdraw his candidacy for the LDP leadership as the issue was “significantly serious”.
