A new era dawns for Japan: Takaichi on course to become first female Prime Minister

By willowt // 2025-10-06

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Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative, is set to become Japan's first female prime minister after defeating moderate rival Shinjiro Koizumi in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race.
Takaichi, a protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and an advocate of "Abenomics," takes over a party in crisis amid rising prices and voter discontent.
She promises aggressive fiscal spending to stimulate growth, including tax cuts and subsidies, while maintaining fiscal prudence.
Takaichi emphasizes strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and revising Japan's pacifist constitution to bolster national defense.
Her historical revisionism and visits to the Yasukuni Shrine may strain ties with China and South Korea, while she seeks closer relations with Taiwan and other regional partners.
Takaichi faces the task of uniting the LDP, securing public support and forging coalitions with opposition parties.

Japan has just elected Sanae Takaichi as the leader of its Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become the country’s first female prime minister. Takaichi, a 64-year-old hardline conservative, defeated her moderate rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, by 185 votes to 156 in a runoff at LDP headquarters in Tokyo. This unexpected win sets the stage for a significant shift in Japan’s political landscape. The party’s choice of Takaichi, who is known for her nationalist policies and her mentorship under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, could ripple through both domestic and international politics. Just when and why has this happened, and what does it mean for the future of Japan? On October 4, the LDP voted in favor of Takaichi following a deeply unpopular year under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after two election defeats and a resurgent economy. Public discontent has forced Takaichi and the LDP to focus on restoring public trust and addressing economic challenges. The party believes Takaichi’s agenda, centered on revitalizing Japan’s economy and bolstering its security, will resonate with voters and help it regain its footing in parliament.

Takaichi's rise and her agenda for Japan

Takaichi’s victory is a symbolic milestone, making her the first woman to lead Japan’s ruling party. Yet, her approach to leadership brings new challenges. She is an advocate of “Abenomics,” Shinzo Abe’s aggressive fiscal and monetary policies aimed at stimulating economic growth, and she has made it clear that she will prioritize infrastructure investment, tax cuts and subsidies to address inflation and improve living standards. Takaichi has also emphasized the need for a stronger defense strategy, including revising Japan’s pacifist constitution and potentially forming security alliances with countries like Taiwan. Takaichi’s monetarist leanings, however, could worry markets. She has long criticized the Bank of Japan’s recent interest rate increases, arguing that higher rates are harmful to economic growth. Although she has softened her rhetoric post-election, her strong pro-stimulus stance may prompt the central bank to delay further rate hikes, putting downward pressure on the yen. The equity market might move higher in anticipation of increased fiscal expenditure, but JGB yields could rise on fears of higher spending, potentially leading to a bond market crisis.

National security and geopolitical shifts

Takaichi’s ascension places her at the center of Japan’s global security strategy, with her emphasis on strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and promoting regional partnerships with countries like South Korea, Australia and the Philippines. She has vowed to avoid renegotiating the trade deal with the United States that lowered tariffs in exchange for Japanese investments. However, her nationalistic positions, particularly her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and calls for constitutional revisionism, may strain diplomatic relations with China and South Korea. This could complicate Japan’s broader goal to assert its status and influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Takaichi has also called for an “equal partnership” with the U.S., a stance that reflects a desire to move away from the shadow of post-war, America-dominated globalization. This shift could reshape alliances in the region and redefine the balance of power in Asia.

Challenges and potential risks

Takaichi’s most pressing task is to unite the LDP, which has faced consecutive election losses and internal divisions. The party needs to secure the cooperation of opposition parties to pass legislation in a parliament where the LDP no longer holds a majority. She will also need to navigate the complex relationship with the moderate centrist Komeito, her current coalition partner, whose leaders have expressed reservations about her ultra-conservative politics. Takaichi’s ability to balance ideological principles with the practical demands of government will determine her success in leading the fractured LDP. Moreover, her socially conservative views, such as opposition to same-sex marriage and changes in surname rules, have limited her broader appeal. These stances could alienate key demographics and restrict her ability to build a lasting legacy.

Charting a new course for Japan

As Takaichi prepares to take office, she faces monumental challenges—reinvigorating the economy, reviving public trust and reshaping Japan’s role in the world. Her election represents a shift to the right in Japan’s political landscape, driven by a desire to address economic stagnation and social transformation. However, whether her policies can resonate with voters and restore the LDP’s dominance remains to be seen. Takaichi’s success will depend not only on her ability to implement her agenda but also on her capacity to address the concerns of a diverse electorate. Takaichi’s leadership will undoubtedly send ripples through domestic and international politics. Her policies could lead to a stronger, more assertive Japan on the global stage, but they may also come with significant risks. The road ahead is fraught with uncertainties, but as Takaichi prepares to lead the nation, the eyes of the world will be watching. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Reuters.com ABCnews.go.com