Overview

• Takaichi, 64, won the runoff for Liberal Democratic Party leadership 185–156 over Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
• A parliamentary vote to choose the next prime minister is set for 15 October, and the LDP will need cooperation from other parties after losing majorities in both chambers.
• The longtime Abe ally is identified with conservative nationalist positions, including a tougher line on China, stricter immigration enforcement, and Abenomics‑style fiscal and monetary stimulus.
• Taiwan’s president and the U.S. ambassador offered congratulations, while South Korea responded cautiously given expected policy shifts.
• She succeeds Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after election setbacks and public discontent over rising living costs that also boosted smaller right‑wing parties such as Sanseito.