Sanae Takaichi, a former economic security minister and a right-wing figure in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been elected to lead Japan’s ruling party, making her the likely candidate to become Japan’s first female prime minister. She defeated Shinjiro Koizumi in a run-off vote. The parliamentary vote to formally elect the new prime minister is expected to take place on October 15.
Takaichi, 64, is a protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and aligns with a conservative vision for Japan. While her victory is historic as the first female leader of the LDP, critics note her generally conservative stance on social issues. In the past, she has supported the LDP’s view of women serving as good mothers and wives, and she opposes social reforms such as same-sex marriage, patrilineal imperial succession laws, and allowing married couples to have separate surnames.
She has, however, recently spoken about the need to educate men about female health issues like menopause to better support women in school and at work, and during her campaign, she promised to increase female representation in her cabinet. Some experts are skeptical, suggesting she may not actively champion women’s rights or gender equality policies, despite her prior role as Minister for Gender Equality, and may be primarily focused on following the right-wing agenda of her mentor.
As the new leader, Takaichi faces significant domestic and international challenges. Domestically, she must work to regain public trust in the LDP following recent election losses that left the coalition without a majority in both houses of parliament. Key issues she will need to address include an aging population, a faltering economy, and growing public anxiety about rising prices and immigration.
During the campaign, both Takaichi and Koizumi appealed to voters concerned about immigration, with Takaichi stating that Japan should “reconsider policies that allow in people with completely different cultures and backgrounds.” Economically, Takaichi has historically favored aggressive monetary easing and big fiscal spending, policies similar to “Abenomics,” though she has recently tempered her stance.
On the international front, Takaichi, known as a China hawk and a wartime history revisionist who regularly visits the Yasukuni Shrine, may face complicated diplomatic relations with China and South Korea.
Her “Japan First” policy is seen as aligning with the “America First” policy of U.S. President Donald Trump, and a diplomatic meeting with him is anticipated in late October, where he may pressure Japan to increase its defense spending. She will also need to secure cooperation from opposition lawmakers, particularly more centrist groups, to govern effectively since the LDP-led coalition no longer holds a parliamentary majority.
