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LDP Elects Sanae Takaichi to Lead Party, Setting Up Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister

The 64-year-old conservative nationalist now heads a ruling party looking to regain voter trust.

Overview

  • Takaichi won the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership in a second-round vote over Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, taking about 54.25% to 45.75%.
  • The National Diet is scheduled to vote on her nomination on October 15, and the governing coalition’s seat advantage makes her confirmation likely.
  • A protege of Shinzo Abe, she backs expansionary fiscal policy and low rates, and market analysts said her victory reduces the odds of a near-term Bank of Japan rate hike.
  • Taiwan’s president welcomed her win, while her visits to Yasukuni Shrine and push to revise the pacifist constitution could strain ties with China and South Korea.
  • Her elevation follows Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation after election setbacks, with the LDP seeking to recover support as households face persistent inflation and economic pressures.