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43m ago

Sanae Takaichi Elected LDP Leader in Runoff, Poised to Be Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Governing will require cross‑party deals because the ruling bloc lacks majorities in both houses.

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Japan's former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at the kick-off of the campaign for the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, September 22, 2025. Franck Robichon/Pool via REUTERS
Japan's Prime Minister contender Sanae Takaichi speaks at the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool
Newly-elected leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Sanae Takaichi shakes hands with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after winning the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool

Overview

  • Takaichi defeated Shinjiro Koizumi 185–156 in a second‑round runoff after leading the first round 183–164.
  • Parliament is expected to vote around October 15 to select the next prime minister, with Takaichi widely seen as the likely choice.
  • First‑round votes were split evenly between lawmakers and party members, then reweighted in the runoff, reflecting a grassroots–lawmakers divide that shaped the outcome.
  • Known as a conservative nationalist aligned with Shinzo Abe, Takaichi backs large state‑led stimulus and has signaled she could revisit aspects of a U.S. investment and trade understanding.
  • She inherits a weakened party facing voter anger over rising living costs and a funds scandal, along with an early diplomatic test in a likely late‑October meeting with President Trump.