Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan’s LDP Leader, Set to Become First Female Prime Minister

TOKYO, Oct. 4, 2025 (America News World)

– Sanae Takaichi, a veteran politician and former economic security minister, has been elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become the country’s first female prime minister. The historic vote took place on Saturday, with Takaichi defeating Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, in a run-off after none of the five candidates secured a majority in the first round.

^{Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Presidential Election Candidate Debate at Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Japan, on September 24, 2025. [Jia Haocheng/Pool via Reuters}

Takaichi, 64, is expected to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba following a parliamentary vote scheduled for October 15. The LDP, which has dominated Japanese politics since 1955, remains the largest party in parliament, but its coalition with the centrist Komeito party no longer holds majorities in either chamber. To govern effectively, Takaichi will need to forge alliances with opposition parties, many of which lean centrist.

The leadership election, which involved 295 LDP parliamentarians and roughly 1 million dues-paying party members, reflected the views of just 1% of Japan’s population. Takaichi’s victory signals a shift toward the LDP’s right-wing faction, as she has long been associated with conservative policies and was mentored by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

If confirmed as prime minister, Takaichi will face significant challenges, including Japan’s aging population, a struggling economy, geopolitical tensions, and growing public concerns about immigration. Japan’s population is shrinking, with a low birth rate and only 3% of residents born abroad, but immigration has become a divisive issue. During the campaign, Takaichi called for reconsidering policies that allow people from “completely different cultures and backgrounds” into Japan, echoing sentiments from the rising populist party Sanseito, which has labeled immigration a “silent invasion.”

Koizumi, 44, who would have been Japan’s youngest prime minister in over a century, also addressed immigration concerns, citing “illegal employment of foreigners” and “worsening public safety” as sources of public anxiety. Such rhetoric from mainstream politicians is uncommon in Japan, where immigration debates have traditionally been subdued.

Economically, Takaichi has historically supported aggressive monetary easing and large-scale fiscal spending, policies aligned with her mentor Abe. However, she softened her stance during the campaign, signaling a more cautious approach. She also took a more moderate tone on relations with China, despite her traditionalist views and regular visits to the controversial Yasukuni war shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including some convicted war criminals.

Takaichi’s rise has sparked mixed reactions. While her election as Japan’s potential first female prime minister is a milestone, some experts question her commitment to gender equality. “Takaichi has no interest in women’s rights or gender equality policies,” said Yuki Tsuji, a politics and gender professor at Tokai University, in an interview with AFP. This could temper celebrations among those hoping for progressive reforms.

The LDP, grappling with declining public trust, faces pressure to regain voter support. Koizumi, known for his modern image and decision to take paternity leave, described the party’s state as a “crisis” during the campaign. Analysts suggest his charisma may not have translated into substantive policy depth, potentially limiting his appeal as parliament reconvenes.

Takaichi’s leadership will soon be tested on the global stage. A possible summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea starting October 31, could see demands for Japan to boost defense spending. Navigating these diplomatic and domestic challenges will be critical for Takaichi as she seeks to stabilize the LDP’s long-standing dominance.

As Japan prepares for this historic transition, Takaichi’s leadership marks a new chapter for a nation grappling with complex social, economic, and geopolitical issues. Her ability to unite a divided parliament and address public concerns will shape her tenure as Japan’s potential first female prime minister.