Sanae Takaichi Elected as Japan’s New Ruling Party Leader, Poised to Become First Female Prime Minister
Japan’s ruling conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, moving the 64-year-old closer to becoming Japan’s first female prime minister. Takaichi, a prominent figure in Japanese politics, brings a mix of media experience, political clout, and conservative values to the role, but faces significant challenges ahead.
Takaichi is known for her right-leaning positions within the LDP and has often courted controversy. She has previously served as a government minister, hosted television programs, and even gained attention as a heavy metal drummer—a combination that has made her both recognizable and polarizing. Despite her fame, the new leader inherits a party struggling to regain voter confidence after a series of scandals, election defeats, and internal divisions.
Economic and Political Challenges Ahead
If confirmed as prime minister, Takaichi will face pressing economic issues. Japan continues to grapple with a sluggish economy, persistent inflation, and stagnant wages, creating growing pressures on households nationwide. Analysts highlight that her leadership will be tested on whether she can implement policies to revive growth while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Additionally, Takaichi will need to navigate international relations, particularly with the United States. The previous government had negotiated a tariff deal with the Trump administration, and ensuring its smooth implementation remains a priority. Experts also point to a complex political landscape within Japan, where party unity is fragile after recent electoral setbacks.
Last month, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation after a term of just over a year. The LDP lost its majority in both chambers of parliament, leaving Takaichi with the task of consolidating support within a weakened party.
Professor Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University in Tokyo, told the BBC that Takaichi’s election may not resolve the party’s internal divisions. “She’s unlikely to have much success at healing the internal party rift,” he said. “Takaichi belongs to the hardline faction of the LDP, which believes the party lost touch with its right-wing roots. She could regain those voters but at the expense of broader popular support in a national election.”
A Conservative Track Record
Takaichi is widely recognized for her conservative positions, often invoking Japan’s traditional values. She has opposed legislation allowing women to keep their maiden names after marriage and remains against same-sex marriage. Her policy positions have drawn criticism from women’s groups and progressive voters, who argue she is unlikely to advance gender equality initiatives.
Admiring Britain’s former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi frequently calls herself Japan’s “Iron Lady.” However, experts suggest that, like Thatcher, she may not be focused on uniting differing factions or promoting inclusive policies. “In terms of fiscal discipline, she’s anything but Thatcher,” Kingston notes. “And she hasn’t done much to empower women in Japanese society.”
Security and Constitutional Policy
On national security, Takaichi aligns with the hawkish wing of the LDP. She has expressed strong support for revising Japan’s pacifist constitution, particularly Article 9, which limits the country’s military capabilities. She also regularly visits the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, where Japan’s war dead—including convicted war criminals—are memorialized, a practice that has drawn criticism from neighboring countries such as China and South Korea.
Economically, Takaichi has pledged to continue the vision of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, known as Abenomics. This strategy emphasizes fiscal stimulus, low-interest rates, and structural reforms aimed at boosting economic growth. By aligning herself with Abe’s legacy, Takaichi aims to consolidate conservative support while promising stability in economic policy.
Navigating a Divided Party
Takaichi’s ascent comes at a delicate time for the LDP. After losing its majority in both parliamentary chambers, the party faces significant internal and external pressures. Experts caution that uniting the party and maintaining public confidence will be formidable challenges. While Takaichi enjoys support among hardline conservatives, her ability to appeal to moderate and centrist voters remains uncertain.
Her leadership style and policy priorities suggest a focus on strengthening the party’s conservative base rather than pursuing broad electoral appeal. Political analysts also note that her decisions will shape Japan’s domestic and international policies at a critical juncture.
Gender Milestone and Public Perception
If confirmed, Takaichi will become Japan’s first female prime minister—a historic milestone in a country where women remain underrepresented in politics. Yet, her conservative stance has led some observers to question whether her leadership will translate into progressive change for women in Japan.
Public perception of Takaichi is divided. Supporters praise her decisive approach and her commitment to Japan’s right-wing traditions, while critics argue that she may reinforce existing inequalities and limit social reforms. Her ability to balance tradition with the demands of a modern, diverse society will be closely scrutinized in the coming months.
Parliamentary Confirmation
Takaichi is expected to be confirmed as prime minister by the Japanese parliament, although not automatically. Unlike her predecessors, the weakened position of the ruling party means she will need to secure broader support to formally assume office. Observers emphasize that her success will depend not only on her political acumen but also on her capacity to navigate a polarized legislative environment.
In summary, Sanae Takaichi’s election as the new leader of Japan’s ruling party marks a historic moment for the nation. As she moves closer to becoming the first female prime minister, she faces a challenging agenda: reviving the economy, managing international relations, reforming the constitution, and uniting a divided party. Her tenure promises to shape Japan’s political and economic future while testing the balance between conservative tradition and the evolving needs of Japanese society.