Japanese Finance Minister Aso Taro says his country is keeping a close eye on the US presidential election.

Aso spoke to reporters on Wednesday morning as vote-counting was starting in the United States.

Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party is choosing its new leader on Monday. Suga Yoshihide, the top spokesperson of the current administration of Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, is almost certain to win.

The vote also effectively decides who will be the country's prime minister after Abe, who is stepping down because of health issues.

Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party will vote on Monday for its new leader, who is expected to replace outgoing Prime Minister Abe Shinzo at the helm of the government. Candidates are seeking as much additional support as possible on Sunday, the last day of campaigning.

The election will be contested by former LDP Secretary-General Ishiba Shigeru, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide and LDP policy chief Kishida Fumio.

Three candidates are in the race to become the next leader of the main ruling party in Japan. Their experiences are as diverse as their political backgrounds.

One of the contenders is Ishiba Shigeru, who had not even turned 30 by the time he secured a seat in the Lower House.

Campaigning officially kicked off in Japan on Tuesday to choose the next leader of the main ruling party.

Three candidates are making their pitches in the hopes of being named president of the Liberal Democratic Party. The winner is set to become the country's next prime minister, as Abe Shinzo is stepping down because of health issues.

Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party has finalized the schedule for choosing a successor to its outgoing president, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

The party's presidential election commission on Wednesday picked former Home Affairs Minister Noda Takeshi as its chair.