Conservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi celebrated a “new chapter” yesterday upon assuming leadership of Japan’s ruling party, positioning herself to potentially become the nation’s first female prime minister. Aged 64, she expressed determination to address the challenges facing the struggling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has historically dominated Japanese politics but has been losing ground to smaller parties like the anti-immigration Sanseito.
Takaichi, known for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher and her past as a heavy metal drummer, is expected to be confirmed by parliament later this month as Japan’s fifth prime minister in five years. She faces a range of pressing issues, including Japan’s aging population, geopolitical instability, economic struggles, and concerns over immigration.
In a victory speech at LDP headquarters, Takaichi emphasized the need for unity across generations to revitalize the party, defeating Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff vote. Koizumi, at 44, would have represented a younger, more socially progressive leadership for the LDP.
One of Takaichi’s initial responsibilities as prime minister will be hosting US President Donald Trump, who is anticipated to visit Japan in late October. Takaichi has indicated she will uphold Tokyo’s recent trade agreement with Washington. She has been vocal in her opposition to China’s military expansion and her regular visits to the controversial Yasukuni war shrine could strain relations with Beijing and Seoul.
While Takaichi aims to restore the LDP’s standing after recent electoral setbacks under outgoing premier Shigeru Ishiba, the rise of Sanseito, a populist party critical of immigration, poses a challenge. Takaichi has advocated for a reconsideration of immigration policies but has faced criticism for her stances on women’s rights and LGBTQ issues, aligning with traditionalist views within the LDP.