Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative and outspoken safety hawk, is about to change into Japan’s first feminine prime minister, taking cost of the world’s fourth-largest economic system at a second of political uncertainty, inflationary pressure, and rising regional tensions.
The 64-year-old former newscaster defeated 4 male contenders to win the management of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday, marking her third try on the submit. Her victory positions her to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who introduced his resignation after a turbulent yr in workplace that noticed the LDP lose its coalition majority in each legislative chambers.
Takaichi’s rise, lengthy thought-about unbelievable in Japan’s male-dominated political institution, has redrawn the contours of Japanese politics — however her management additionally guarantees a decisive rightward flip.
Who’s Sanae Takaichi?
Born in Nara, western Japan, Takaichi is the primary politician in her household and has typically stood other than the institution. A former heavy-metal drummer and bike fanatic, she entered politics in 1993 and has since held a number of key cupboard roles, together with Minister for Financial Safety from 2022 to 2024.
She has regularly invoked former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher as her function mannequin and has now shattered what she as soon as referred to as “Japan’s highest glass ceiling.” But, regardless of her symbolic ascent, she just isn’t identified for championing gender equality.
Takaichi has opposed legalising separate surnames for married {couples} and resisted reforms to permit feminine succession within the imperial household.
“Takaichi has made no reference in any respect to the hardships girls face or to gender disparities throughout the management contest,” stated Yayo Okano, a professor at Doshisha College in Kyoto. “In that sense, I worry this indicators a really harsh scenario for ladies, as a result of it successfully guidelines out any prospect of actual enchancment in Japan’s gender inequality going ahead.”
Nonetheless, Takaichi pledged to nominate extra girls to her cupboard and senior celebration positions, promising to make the LDP “a extra energetic and vivid celebration, a celebration that may flip individuals’s anxieties into hope.”
What are Sanae Takaichi’s key insurance policies?
A protégé of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has long been associated with Japan’s nationalist right wing. She helps Abe’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” technique and advocates for stronger defence capabilities to counter rising threats from China and North Korea.
She believes in a “Japan First” overseas coverage, emphasising that Tokyo ought to act “foremost in its nationwide curiosity.” Throughout a marketing campaign debate, she criticised Japan’s tariff take care of the US, calling components of it “unequal.”
Her method to China and South Korea might reignite diplomatic friction. Takaichi has repeatedly visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Japan’s battle useless, together with convicted World Battle II criminals. Though she averted clarifying whether or not she would proceed such visits as prime minister, she affirmed her intent to “honour those that sacrificed their lives for the nation.”
Takaichi additionally takes a restrictive stance on immigration. She lately courted controversy by claiming, with out proof, that foreigners “kick deer” in her hometown of Nara — a comment dismissed by native officers.
On the economic system, she proposes abolishing the provisional gasoline tax and introducing tax credit with money advantages to help low-income earners. She argues these measures will “stimulate consumption whereas sustaining fiscal self-discipline.”
What does Sanae Takaichi management imply for Japan–US relations?
Takaichi’s tenure is expected to test the resilience of Japan’s alliance with the United States. She has indicated she could reopen discussions on a $550 billion funding settlement signed below Ishiba’s administration.
“If, throughout the course of implementation, parts that hurt Japan’s nationwide curiosity are discovered, then renegotiation is a chance,” she stated in a televised debate.
Whereas she helps strengthening safety ties with Washington and cooperation with South Korea and the Philippines, analysts warn that an overtly nationalist tilt might isolate Japan diplomatically.
“Japan might find yourself remoted, relations with South Korea might worsen, and if Japan enters a confrontational stance with China whereas the US steps again from Asia, that will be extraordinarily difficult,” stated Tetsuo Kotani, a nationwide safety professional at Meikai College.
Her first main diplomatic check might come quickly: former U.S. president Donald Trump is anticipated to go to Japan later this month for the APEC discussion board in South Korea.
Why is Japan selecting a brand new chief now?
Japan’s political volatility has been building for over two years. A fundraising scandal involving senior LDP members, rising shopper costs, and a stagnant yen have eroded public belief within the celebration that has ruled nearly constantly since 1955.
Fumio Kishida resigned final yr amid record-low approval rankings. His successor, Shigeru Ishiba, tried to revive confidence however did not stem electoral losses, culminating within the LDP’s first-ever minority standing in each homes of parliament.
Though opposition events might technically unite behind a single candidate, no such determine has emerged — leaving Takaichi the clear front-runner for the premiership when parliament convenes on 14 October.
A brand new period — however how completely different?
Takaichi’s victory is historic, but her ideology reflects Japan’s conservative continuity more than a social breakthrough. She inherits a fragile economic system, anxious voters, and a shifting geopolitical panorama. Whether or not her management will stabilise Japan — or push it additional into nationalist retrenchment — stays the query.
As she informed supporters after her win:
“Somewhat than feeling completely happy, I really really feel that the true work begins now.”
