Sanae Takaichi, a senior conservative politician, won the crucial leadership election of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday, setting the stage to become Japan’s first female prime minister. Her victory marks a historic milestone in a country where women remain underrepresented in politics.
At 64, Ms. Takaichi defeated four male contenders, including Shinjiro Koizumi, after two rounds of voting by lawmakers and party members. She is expected to be formally named prime minister during an extraordinary parliamentary session in mid-October, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba, who recently announced his resignation.
Her rise signals a potential shift toward right-wing policies in Japan, with a focus on economic growth, immigration control, and conservative values. An ally of the late Shinzo Abe, Ms. Takaichi supports a hawkish nationalist agenda, including visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which could strain relations with China and South Korea.
Ms. Takaichi has expressed support for maintaining trade agreements with the U.S., while also being open to reviewing them. She advocates for a return to “Abenomics,” emphasizing low interest rates and increased fiscal spending to revive Japan’s economy.
While she makes history as the first female LDP leader, Ms. Takaichi is not seen as a feminist champion. She has opposed legal reforms for women’s succession, married surname laws, and same-sex marriage. During her campaign, she pledged a gender-balanced cabinet inspired by Nordic countries.
Her leadership reflects LDP efforts to regain voter confidence amid rising economic concerns, foreign influence, and political challenges. Sanae Takaichi’s victory not only shatters a gender barrier but also positions her to shape Japan’s political and economic future.
