TOKYO - Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Tuesday announced his intention to run in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)'s presidential election to choose a successor to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Speaking at a press conference following a cabinet meeting, Koizumi confirmed that he had informed his support group over the weekend of his plan to run.

Koizumi stressed the importance of party unity, saying addressing issues that people are anxious about, including rising prices, is the most important task for the party.

He also revealed that Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, who ran in last year's leadership race, has agreed to serve as his campaign chief, national broadcaster NHK reported.

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The race to succeed Ishiba is shaping up to be crowded. Former foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi declared his candidacy last week. Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, and former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi are also likely candidates for the race.

The LDP has decided to hold its upcoming leadership election in a full-scale format, including votes from both lawmakers and rank-and-file party members, on Oct 4.