TOKYO, Japan — Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, positioning the 64-year-old conservative veteran to become Japan’s first female prime minister once parliament confirms her appointment on October 15.
Political Background
Takaichi is a prominent figure in Japanese politics, known for her outspoken conservatism. A former government minister, TV host, and even a heavy metal drummer, she has held senior roles including minister for internal affairs and communications, state minister for trade and industry, and minister for economic security.
A protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has long been aligned with the LDP’s hardline right wing. She has consistently advocated for policies reversing social liberalisation, including opposing maiden name retention for married women and same-sex marriage.
Challenges Ahead
Takaichi inherits a party weakened by scandals and electoral defeats, having lost its majority in both houses of parliament. She will need to navigate a sluggish economy, stubborn inflation, and stagnant wages, while restoring internal party unity — a task some experts see as difficult.
Prof. Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University, told the BBC:
“She’s in a good position to regain right-wing voters, but at the expense of wider popular appeal.”
She will also manage a fragile US-Japan relationship and a pending tariff deal agreed by the previous government with the Trump administration.
Policy and Ideology
Takaichi has pledged to revive Abe’s economic vision, Abenomics, focused on high public spending and cheap borrowing. On security, she supports revising Japan’s pacifist constitution to expand the Self-Defense Forces’ capabilities.
Despite her conservative record, Takaichi has recently softened her domestic policy stance, proposing partial tax deductions for babysitter fees and corporate tax breaks for in-house childcare, citing her personal experience with caregiving and nursing family members.
She has also been a regular visitor to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals.
Political Significance
Takaichi’s election signals the LDP’s attempt to regain conservative voters who have shifted to the far-right Sanseito party, which has surged from one to 15 seats. She has acknowledged the challenge, stating:
“The LDP must change for the sake of Japan’s present and future. We will always put the national interest first and manage the country with a sense of balance.”
If confirmed by parliament, Takaichi will make history as Japan’s first female prime minister, fulfilling her self-styled ambition to become the “Iron Lady” of Japan.
