Overview

• Takaichi, 64, defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a second-round vote limited to LDP lawmakers and party members.
• Local media report the parliamentary vote to choose the prime minister is expected in the week of October 13.
• The ruling party has lost its absolute majority in both chambers, yet opposition parties appear too divided to block her elevation.
• Backed by the LDP’s conservative wing and allies of the late Shinzo Abe, she advocates stronger defense and economic security, tighter rules on foreign real estate purchases, and potential tariff renegotiation with the United States.
• Her economic stance echoes Abenomics with support for aggressive monetary easing and large fiscal spending, while she faces structural pressures from an aging population, heavy public debt, a weak economy, and rising immigration concerns.