LDP's Sanae Takaichi poised to become Japan’s next prime minister
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Sanae Takaichi may become Japan’s first woman PM as the LDP and JIP move toward a new coalition deal, reshaping Japan’s political future.
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Sanae Takaichi smiles while delivering a speech after winning the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, October 4, 2025. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool Photo via AP)
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to finalize a new coalition agreement on Monday, potentially paving the way for Sanae Takaichi to become the country’s first woman prime minister, according to Japanese media reports.
Takaichi, who was elected LDP leader earlier this month, saw her initial bid for premiership collapse after the party’s long-standing coalition with the Komeito party dissolved. The split ended a 26-year partnership and plunged Japan into political uncertainty.
In the wake of the coalition's collapse, the LDP began talks with the right-leaning opposition Japan Innovation Party (JIP). Kyodo News reported that Takaichi and JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura are expected to sign a formal agreement on Monday. The Yomiuri Shimbun also cited unnamed party officials confirming that a deal is likely following talks.
An alliance with the JIP would return the LDP to a near-majority in the lower house of parliament, putting Takaichi’s candidacy for prime minister back on track. Currently, the two parties remain two seats short of an outright majority, but in the event of a second-round runoff in the prime ministerial vote, Takaichi would only need to secure more support than any other candidate.
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Political crisis follows coalition collapse
The Komeito party’s departure triggered a broader realignment in Japan’s political landscape. Despite the ongoing crisis, opposition parties have been unable to agree on a unified candidate for prime minister, giving the LDP-JIP alliance an opening to secure the leadership.
If the coalition is finalized and parliament votes as expected, Takaichi could be elected as early as Tuesday, making history as the first woman to lead Japan’s government.
Takaichi concedes to JIP policy demands
In return for its support, the JIP has pressed for significant policy changes. According to reports, the LDP has agreed to adopt several of the JIP’s key demands, including reducing the consumption tax on food to zero, down from the current rate of up to 10 percent, and banning corporate and organizational political donations.
Another JIP demand is to reduce the number of parliamentary seats, a condition Yoshimura has described as “non-negotiable.” The LDP has reportedly agreed to this as part of the coalition deal.
Although the JIP will not receive a cabinet post under the proposed agreement, one of its members will be appointed as a special advisor to the prime minister, according to TV Asahi. However, Yomiuri reported that Yoshimura has not ruled out joining the cabinet directly.
The political developments come just days ahead of an expected visit to Japan by US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to arrive at the end of the month before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea.
