Overview

• She defeated Shinjiro Koizumi 185–156 in a second-round vote after no candidate secured a majority on the first ballot.
• A parliamentary investiture is expected in mid-October, with reports pointing to Oct. 13–15, while Shigeru Ishiba remains caretaker until the vote.
• The LDP–Komeito bloc lacks outright majorities in both chambers, so Takaichi will need cooperation from other parties to pass legislation.
• A conservative aligned with Shinzo Abe, she advocates a stronger Self-Defense Force, has visited Yasukuni Shrine, and takes a tougher line on China and closer ties with Taiwan.
• She signals continuity with Abenomics-style stimulus and low interest rates and vows to rebuild the party after recent electoral setbacks.