Japan’s ruling party elects nationalist Sanae Takaichi as leader

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
4 Oct 2025 12:46

Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party has elected Sanae Takaichi as its leader, setting the stage for the country’s first female prime minister.

Listen

Newly-elected leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Sanae Takaichi celebrates after winning the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, on October 4, 2025. (AP)

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected conservative nationalist Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, positioning her to become the country’s first female prime minister. The move comes amid growing public frustration over rising prices and dissatisfaction with the LDP’s leadership, with voters increasingly drawn to opposition parties promising economic stimulus and stricter immigration controls.

A parliamentary vote to confirm Takaichi as prime minister is expected on October 15, with the LDP’s ruling coalition holding the largest share of seats. Takaichi, 64, emerged victorious over more moderate contender Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, who had campaigned to become Japan’s youngest modern leader.

Party in crisis

Takaichi inherits the LDP at a time of political uncertainty. The party and its coalition partner lost majorities in both houses under outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after repeated electoral setbacks. Takaichi, the only woman among the five LDP candidates, emphasized her intent to restore public trust.

“Recently, I have heard harsh voices from across the country saying we don’t know what the LDP stands for anymore,” she said in a speech before the second-round vote.

“That sense of urgency drove me. I wanted to turn people’s anxieties about their daily lives and the future into hope.”

A former minister for internal affairs and communications and minister in charge of economic security, Takaichi has championed expansionary fiscal policies consistent with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s “Abenomics” agenda. She has previously criticized the Bank of Japan’s interest rate hikes and indicated she may pursue a more aggressive economic stimulus program, a move that could unsettle investors wary of Japan’s high public debt.

Domestic and international implications

Takaichi has also suggested revisiting trade arrangements negotiated under US President Donald Trump, particularly deals that reduced US tariffs in exchange for Japanese public investment. US Ambassador George Glass congratulated Takaichi on X, expressing anticipation for “strengthening the Japan-US partnership on every front.”

However, Takaichi’s nationalist stances, including regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine - which honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals - and calls to revise Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution, could strain relations with neighbouring countries such as South Korea and China. She has also suggested a “quasi-security alliance” with Taiwan, which welcomed her election. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te described Takaichi as “a steadfast friend of Taiwan” and called for enhanced bilateral cooperation on trade, security, and technology.

In her victory speech, Takaichi pledged an active international role, stating she would travel overseas more frequently than her predecessor to demonstrate that “Japan is Back!” She also vowed to dedicate herself fully to the premiership: “I have thrown away my own work-life balance and I will work, work, work.”

Who is Sanae Takaichi?

Born on March 7, 1961, in Nara Prefecture, Takaichi has served in the House of Representatives since 1993. Over her career, she has held several cabinet positions. Known for her ultra-conservative and nationalist views, Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage, supports traditional family structures, and advocates for a more assertive military posture. Her leadership of the LDP represents a continuation of conservative policy priorities while also marking a milestone as the party’s first female leader.