Japan’s Takaichi courts right-wing allies in bid for premiership

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Oct 2025 16:41

Sanae Takaichi is negotiating a coalition with Japan’s right-leaning Innovation Party after Komeito’s exit.

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Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), gestures as she leaves the party leader's office after the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 (Pool Photo via AP, File)

The newly elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Sanae Takaichi, met on Thursday with leaders of the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party to explore a possible coalition deal.

The talks come as she seeks to secure enough parliamentary support to win a prime ministerial vote expected next week.

The Nikkei share average (.N225) climbed following the discussions, as markets grew optimistic about Takaichi’s chances of becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, a prospect investors associate with renewed fiscal stimulus and continued monetary easing.

Market reaction and expectations

Takaichi’s succession to outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had initially seemed all but guaranteed. However, that confidence was shaken last week when the LDP’s junior partner, Komeito, abruptly ended their 26-year coalition, triggering a wave of negotiations with rival parties to determine who will lead the next government.

"We've made significant progress in aligning our values," said Fumitake Fujita, co-head of the Japan Innovation Party, after the talks, which also involved policy chiefs from both sides.

He added that while the two parties plan to meet again on Friday, it remains uncertain whether they can finalize an agreement. “A final decision would likely be made on Monday,” Fujita noted.

Stalled negotiations and timing of the vote

Despite several rounds of meetings, including inconclusive talks on Wednesday, no formal pact has yet been reached.

The LDP has proposed October 21 as the date for a parliamentary vote to select the next premier, though opposition lawmakers have sought a delay to allow more time for coalition discussions.

Under parliamentary rules, any candidate who wins a simple majority in the first round of voting will become prime minister. If no clear winner emerges, the top two contenders will face a run-off.

“Although the situation remains fluid, there is a strong 75% probability that Takaichi will be named Japan’s next premier,” analysts at EurAsia Group wrote in a note, citing the potential alliance with the Innovation Party as a key factor bolstering her chances.

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.