Ex-defense minister Ishiba to run for Japan PM

TOKYO (Reuters) - Former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba, a security policy expert, announced on Friday his intention to run in the race to become Japan's next prime minister, adding to the list of challengers for the top job.

Ishiba's rivals to succeed Yasuo Fukuda, who abruptly announced his resignation on Monday, include frontrunner Taro Aso, a former foreign minister who favors spending to stimulate the faltering economy, and Economics Minister Kaoru Yosano, who says taxes will have to rise to fix Japan's tattered finances.