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3w ago

Sanae Takaichi Wins LDP Leadership, Poised to Be Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister

Her narrow party victory signals a rightward agenda as she confronts a fractured parliament before a mid-October Diet vote.

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Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), holds a press conference after the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Conservative Sanae Takaichi hailed a "new era" on October 4 after winning the leadership of Japan's ruling party, putting her on course to become the country's first woman prime minister. Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool via REUTERS
Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), holds a press conference after the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Conservative Sanae Takaichi hailed a "new era" on October 4 after winning the leadership of Japan's ruling party, putting her on course to become the country's first woman prime minister. Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool via REUTERS

Overview

  • Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff, winning 149 lawmaker votes and 36 prefectural votes to his 145 and 11.
  • The Liberal Democratic Party has lost working majorities in both chambers, forcing Takaichi to negotiate coalition support and test the durability of ties with Komeito.
  • She backs Abenomics-style fiscal expansion, a stronger military and cybersecurity, and tighter immigration rules, while holding socially conservative stances on surnames, same-sex marriage and imperial succession.
  • Her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and revisionist views on wartime history could complicate relations with China and South Korea.
  • Early international reactions included congratulations from Taiwan’s president and the U.S. ambassador, while China’s foreign ministry urged Tokyo to honor commitments under bilateral political documents.