Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday elected Sanae Takaichi, a former Economic Security Minister and staunch conservative, as its new leader - paving the way for her to become Japan’s first female prime minister.
In a country that ranks low globally in gender equality, the 64-year-old Takaichi’s victory marks a historic moment. Known as a hardline nationalist and China hawk, she has long been considered one of the most right-wing figures in Japan’s male-dominated political sphere.
An admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is also a protégé of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a regular visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of Japan’s wartime legacy that often strains ties with neighboring countries.
Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of popular former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, in a runoff vote among LDP lawmakers and members. She replaces outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as the party seeks to regain public trust following a string of election setbacks.
With the LDP holding a dominant majority in the lower house , which selects the prime minister, Takaichi is widely expected to assume office later this month.
As results were announced, Takaichi bowed deeply to party members, expressing gratitude and resolve.
“I have made history for the LDP,” she said. “Instead of savoring joy, I’m overwhelmed by the challenges ahead. We must make our party more energetic and optimistic to turn people’s worries into hope.”
The LDP, weakened by consecutive election losses, faces mounting pressure to restore voter confidence, address economic challenges, and strengthen Japan’s diplomatic standing. Ishiba, who improved Japan’s trade and regional ties during his brief term, wished her success, saying he hoped the LDP would “serve the country and people in this new era.”
Five candidates contested the LDP presidency, but the decisive vote came from 295 party lawmakers and about one million dues-paying members, representing only 1% of Japan’s population. A parliamentary vote to formally endorse the new prime minister is scheduled for mid-October.
Takaichi will soon face a major diplomatic test, with a potential summit with U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled for later this month during the APEC summit in South Korea, where defense and trade issues are expected to dominate the talks.
During her campaign, Takaichi described herself as a “moderate conservative”, downplaying her anti-China stance and controversial views on social issues to appeal to centrist voters. She has pledged to pursue stronger defense and cybersecurity policies, fiscal expansion, and stricter immigration controls.
However, analysts say Takaichi and other LDP candidates have avoided addressing politically sensitive issues, including same-sex marriage, historical disputes, and party corruption scandals, raising doubts about the LDP’s ability to regain public trust.
Despite the challenges ahead, Takaichi’s rise symbolizes a new chapter in Japan’s political history - one that could reshape the nation’s leadership image and redefine the role of women in Japanese politics.
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