Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative and former Economic Security Minister, secured the leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday, setting the stage for her to become the country’s first female prime minister.
The 64-year-old Takaichi triumphed over her moderate rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, in a runoff vote following the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Her victory marks a historic moment for a country that ranks poorly on global gender equality metrics, although her deeply conservative views signal an adherence to traditional policies.
The official parliamentary vote to confirm the next prime minister is anticipated to take place in mid-October, with October 15 cited as the likely date. Given the LDP remains the largest party in the lower house, Takaichi’s ascent to the premiership is widely expected, despite the LDP’s recent electoral setbacks.
The Challenges and Her Immediate Reaction
Takaichi inherits a party facing significant domestic and political pressure, including major losses in recent parliamentary elections, ongoing voter concern over a cost of living crisis, and an absence of a coalition majority in both legislative chambers. Speaking after her win, Takaichi acknowledged the weight of the task ahead.
According to the Associated Press, Takaichi stated:
“Now that the LDP has its first female president, its scenery will change a little.”
She also delivered a sharp assessment of the immediate future, telling fellow LDP lawmakers, as reported by Reuters:
“Rather than being happy, I feel like the tough work starts here.”
In a moment that garnered significant attention, she also pledged to abandon a focus on work-life balance, telling party members: “I will abandon the word ‘work-life balance.’ I will work, work, work and work,” according to AP News.
A Conservative Platform and Global Outlook
A protégée of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi campaigned on a platform of aggressive fiscal expansion and a firm security posture, often drawing comparisons to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, earning her the nickname “Iron Lady” in some circles.
Her core policy positions include:
- Economic Revival: Takaichi promises substantial fiscal spending and aims to double the size of the Japanese economy over the next ten years. This involves promoting growth through investment in new technologies and infrastructure.
- Defense and Constitution: She advocates for strengthening Japan’s defensive capabilities and has reiterated her support for amending Article 9 of the Constitution to clearly codify the existence of the Self-Defense Forces.
- Foreign Policy: A well-known China hawk, Takaichi supports a strong alliance with the United States and has suggested a willingness to renegotiate a trade and tariff deal with US President Donald Trump if elements are found to “harm Japan’s national interest,” according to a Washington Post report. Her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, have historically strained relations with China and South Korea.
- Social Issues: Despite making history as the first female party leader, Takaichi maintains socially conservative stances. She opposes revisions to the 19th-century civil law to allow married couples to keep separate surnames and supports male-only succession for the imperial family.
Tokai University professor Yuki Tsuji noted her lack of focus on traditional gender issues, telling AFP news agency that Takaichi “has no interest in women’s rights or gender equality policies”.
Key Votes
Takaichi won the runoff vote against Koizumi by a margin of 185 votes to 156.
| Round | Takaichi (Votes) | Koizumi (Votes) |
| First Round | 183 | 164 |
| Runoff | 185 | 156 |
Sanae Takaichi will quickly face a key diplomatic test, with a possible summit with President Trump reportedly being planned for late October, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.