Conservative Takaichi Poised to Become Japan’s First Woman PM

Sanae Takaichi. Photo: Collected

Conservative politician Sanae Takaichi hailed a “new era” on Saturday after being elected head of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), putting her on course to become the country’s first female prime minister.

The 64-year-old, whose political hero is Margaret Thatcher, acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying a “mountain of work” lies in restoring the fortunes of the LDP, which has governed Japan almost continuously for decades.

The party has seen support wane in recent years, with smaller parties such as the anti-immigration Sanseito gaining traction. Takaichi, a former heavy metal drummer in her student days, is expected to be formally approved by parliament later this month as Japan’s fifth prime minister in as many years.

She inherits a host of complex challenges: an ageing population, economic stagnation, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing debate over immigration policy.

“Together with so many of you, we have carved a new era for the LDP,” Takaichi said at party headquarters after defeating the socially progressive Shinjiro Koizumi in a run-off vote. “We must all pull together across generations and work as one to rebuild the party… everyone will have to work like a horse,” she added to applause.

Koizumi, 44, represented a generational shift and would have been Japan’s youngest modern-era prime minister.

One of Takaichi’s first duties as premier will be receiving a visit from US President Donald Trump, reportedly scheduled for late October. She said she had no plans to overturn Tokyo’s recent trade agreement with Washington.

Takaichi has long criticised China’s military build-up and regularly visits the Yasukuni war shrine, a practice that may strain relations with Beijing and Seoul. China’s foreign ministry expressed hope that Japan will pursue “a positive and rational policy toward China” under her leadership.

Immigration and Party Challenges -

Domestically, Takaichi faces the task of reviving the LDP, which has struggled to maintain majorities in parliament amid voter frustration over inflation and party scandals. Populist movements like Sanseito, which describe immigration as a “silent invasion,” are gaining support.

Takaichi has voiced concern over Japan’s immigration policies, saying the country should “reconsider policies that allow in people with completely different cultures and backgrounds.” Yet with foreign-born residents making up just three percent of the population and the workforce shrinking, experts note that Japan needs more foreign workers.

Tomoyuki Mishina, a 39-year-old real estate professional, commented, “As the Japanese population declines, we need to accept foreigners, but careful thought is needed on how to do so.”

Economic Outlook -

On economic policy, Takaichi has previously backed aggressive monetary easing and large fiscal spending, echoing the approach of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

However, her conservative stances on social issues may temper expectations. Experts note that while her leadership marks a historic milestone for women in Japanese politics, her policies show little interest in gender equality.

Takaichi opposes revising the law that requires married couples to share a surname and is against same-sex marriage. “An exclusive, reactionary and discriminatory political approach will persist,” said Soshi Matsuoka of the LGBTQ advocacy group Fair.

As Takaichi prepares to lead Japan, analysts say her tenure will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, as she navigates economic, demographic, and diplomatic challenges while breaking a historic gender barrier in Japanese politics.