Reformers line up for PM race

Japanese economics minister Kaoru Yosano and former defense chief Yuriko Koike lined up yesterday to challenge frontrunner Taro Aso in the race to become prime minister, setting up a clash over economic policy as Japan teeters on the edge of recession.

The winner likely will face an early general election - possibly as soon as November - Kyodo news agency said, as the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) tries to capitalize on an anticipated wave of support for the new leader.

Yosano has pushed for the Japanese government to curb its huge public debt, while Aso has said that increasing state spending to stimulate growth is more important in difficult economic times.