Japan’s long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party has chosen Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, paving the way for the 64-year-old to become the country’s first female prime minister.
A staunch conservative aligned with the party’s right wing, Takaichi inherits a divided party weakened by scandals and internal strife.
Her leadership challenge includes revitalizing Japan’s sluggish economy, easing the burden of rising inflation on households, and managing strained ties with the United States, particularly as she seeks to uphold a tariff deal reached under the Trump administration.
Her rise follows the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down last month after a series of electoral defeats that cost the LDP-led coalition its majority in both houses of parliament.
A protégé of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has pledged to revive his economic blueprint, known as Abenomics, which emphasized heavy public spending and low borrowing costs.
Takaichi has often cited Britain’s first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, as her political inspiration, bringing her closer than ever to realizing her own “Iron Lady” aspirations.
However, her conservative stances — including opposition to allowing women to retain their maiden names after marriage and to same-sex marriage — have left many women voters skeptical of her representing progress.
On foreign and defense policy, the LDP veteran takes a hard line, advocating for constitutional revision to strengthen Japan’s military posture.
She is also known for her visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, where Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals, are honored.
Although she is expected to be confirmed by parliament, her path to leadership will not be automatic. With the LDP now lacking a majority, her confirmation may require broader negotiation and coalition support.
