TOKYO — Japan could get its first woman or youngest-ever prime minister on Friday when the ruling party holds a leadership vote described as the most "unpredictable" in many years.

A record nine candidates are in the running after the long-powerful factions of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) disbanded earlier this year over a funding scandal.

Register to unlock this article

Register to read this story and more for free.

Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience.

Continue

OR

See our subscription options.

Already have an account? Log in here