Thread by @observingjapan

Kyodo has @konotarogomame with a big jump, leading among the general public (32%) and even more so among LDP supporters (37%).

https://twitter.com/Sankei_news/status/1434471280632217604

Ishiba is second in both, 26.6%/23.3%. Kishida third with 18.8%/20.7%.

Takaichi is a distance fifth with 4%. Whatever game Abe is trying to play with Takaichi is going to get harder to pull off if Kono cements that lead.

The problem, of course, is that the proportional distribution of the rank-and-file votes means that it is really difficult to win in the first round, creating more room for insider gamesmanship in the second round.

Here's Takahashi Yoichi, longtime economic adviser to Abe, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the Kyodo poll.