The cover story is “A thorough comparison of the three major candidates in the LDP presidential election” / AERA, on sale September 29th

The lead feature is “A thorough comparison of the three major candidates in the LDP presidential election” / AERA, on sale September 29th ​
Asahi Shimbun Publications Ltd. Press Release: September 26, 2025 The lead feature is “A Thorough Comparison of the Three Major Candidates in the LDP Presidential Election” / AERA, on sale September 29th Cover: Actor Kyouya Honda / Kanako Momota x Tetsuko Kuroyanagi / Contemporary Portrait: Shogo Imamura AERA, released on September 29th. The lead page of the October 6th issue features a special feature on the LDP presidential election, which will be held on October 4th. The three leading candidates — Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi Shinjiro, former Minister of Economic Security Takaichi Sanae, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa — are thoroughly compared under the heading “Here’s what it’ll be like if they become prime minister and president!” The issue also analyzes the current situation through interviews with lawmakers, party members, and political commentators. Young actor Honda Kyouya makes his first appearance on the cover. In the interview, he passionately discusses moments he’s felt a sense of accomplishment and how he overcomes obstacles. Kanako Momota’s interview series “If I Go This Way” welcomes new guest Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, discussing how she approaches her work and turning points in her life. The “Modern Portraits” feature feature historical and period novelist Shogo Imamura, while “Reading the Times,” which delves into phenomena that reflect the times, features women of Generation Z who are throwing themselves into the “revolutionary movement.” The Chukakuha Zengakuren, also known as the “far-left violent group,” is said to be about 30% female, and we spoke to its first female chairperson and active members. This issue is packed with must-know news, exclusive articles, and serials, making it a must-read. Be sure to check it out!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/4702/2230/4702-2230-34d703d3c9fdaff7fbfff1dd1b44c189-1653×2236.jpg

Front Feature: “LDP Presidential Election: A Thorough Comparison of the Three Major Candidates” / The Potential of “Prime Minister Hayashi” The LDP presidential election, with five candidates, sees Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Minister of Economic Security Sanae Takaichi leading the race, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi following closely behind. AERA outlines the three leading candidates’ stances on eight policies, including constitutional reform, optional separate surnames for married couples, and accepting foreigners, and has created a chart that makes it easy to see who their guardians and sponsors are. The article also highlights the current situation, where candidates are wavering in their previous positions, such as Takaichi’s refusal to clearly state whether to continue visiting Yasukuni Shrine, and Koizumi’s cautious stance despite his support for optional separate surnames for married couples. Other articles include an in-depth analysis of each candidate’s policies by economists, as well as interviews with former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa, who established a non-LDP coalition government in 1993 and brought down the LDP’s 55-year rule, and former Minister of Transport Shizuka Kamei, who spoke about the presidential election. AERA is your companion as the election draws to a close! Cover Gravure & Long Interview: Actor Kyouya Honda Kyouya Honda, appearing on the cover of AERA for the first time, caused a stir on social media when he first appeared in last year’s morning drama “Wings of a Tiger,” asking, “Who’s that?” His popularity skyrocketed when he played the heroine’s husband, Imperial Navy Lieutenant Takimasa Ebata, in the April drama “Waves in the Sun, a Day for Meoto,” which even sparked a
“Takimasa-sama loss” phenomenon after the show ended. Both dramas are set in the early Showa period, and in October, he will return to the stage for the first time in seven years in the musical “Enoken,” playing a young man living in that era. The photos were taken by AERA cover photographer Mika Ninagawa. In addition to the cover, the photos from his session with Ninagawa, whom Honda describes as “one of the people whose work I admired as a student,” are featured across seven pages inside the book. Stories and video comments that didn’t fit into the magazine will be published on AERA DIGITAL! There will also be a gift from Honda. For details, please scan the QR code in the magazine. Kanako Momota x Tetsuko Kuroyanagi Hosted by Momoiro Clover Z leader Kanako Momota, this monthly conversation series features a different guest. Starting with this issue, we welcome Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. Kuroyanagi has appeared on numerous memorable programs that are etched in Japanese television history, and has continued to be active in many fields as a national celebrity. What path has this “legend” walked, whom Momota also holds in such high regard? Kuroyanagi’s words, carefully responding to Momota’s straightforward questions and carefully discussing her attitude toward work and the “walls” she faced in her 20s and 30s, are sure to pierce the reader’s heart. She even replies with, “And you?”, and before you know it, she’s become the listener. Her conversational skills are superb, and we hope you enjoy this article, which also conveys the atmosphere of Momota and Kuroyanagi’s conversation! Portrait of a Modern Man: Shogo Imamura (Historical Novelist) A signature series in AERA since its launch, “Modern Portraits,” features historical and period novelist Shogo Imamura. He won the Naoki Prize in January 2022 for “Saiou no Tate” (The Shield of the King), sweeping all major awards for historical and period novels. His momentum shows no signs of slowing down, with “Hikui Tori: Ushu Boro Tobigumi” (The Fire-Eating Bird: Ushu Boro Tobigumi) being adapted into a TV anime in January next year. He also appears on TV and radio, and runs a new type of “shared bookstore” in Tokyo’s Jimbocho district. In this portrait, we delve into the words that inspired Imamura to write a full-fledged novel at age 30, and why he travels around the country to save bookstores. We also interviewed author Kenzo Kitakata and TBS TV announcer Takahiro Inoue, among others, to paint a three-dimensional portrait of Imamura. Be sure to check it out! Others ・The Significance of “Choosing Your Own Surname”: Nana Takamatsu, Takashi Matsuo, and Mami Kumagai Discuss Selective Separate Surnames for Married Couples – Another sexual assault at a cram school: Issues with the “Japanese version of DBS” – Job change is a “rational choice” over relocation: Nearly 40% of employees at large companies have quit their jobs due to relocation – “Glasses-wearing” athletes give hope to children with poor eyesight ・[Media in 2050] Susumu Shimoyama: Deciphering the Strategy of Yomiuri vs. Generative AI ・[Reading the Times] Women of Gen Z Throw themselves into the “Revolution” ・Photographer Ittetsu Matsuoka Holds Solo Exhibition: “I Am Beautiful, Even Though I Am” ・A story created by a married couple: The great-grandson of Lafcadio Hearn and Setsu talks about their lives ・Akari Takaishi and Takashi Okabe: A parent-child conversation about the new morning drama “Bakeke” ・Shinobu Otake: “Always for Someone Else” ・Having to say “thank you” every time is annoying ・[Women x Working] Mother-daughter issues: Jealousy towards an independent daughter ・[eyes] Kang Sang-jung / Azuma Hiroki ・Masaru Sato’s Practical News School ・Sunaetsu Takeda ・Manabu Tauchi’s Economics Guide ・I had the pleasure of meeting Jane Su the other day ・[The Source of the Top] Yaskawa Electric Chairman Hiroshi Ogasawara ・[Atashin’chi] Eiko Kera ・3 PM Shiitake Advice Room ・Masayuki Oki’s Cat of the Week We feature articles such as: Please take a look! *On Monday, September 29th, from 5:00 PM for approximately 30 minutes, we will be holding a “#AeraLive” event on our official Instagram account (@aera_net) introducing the latest issue’s features and contents. Be sure to check this out too. AERA (Aera) October 6, 2025 Issue Price: ¥600 (¥545 10% tax) Release date: Monday, September 29, 2025 https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0FKM85C5S