Overview

• Takaichi won the Liberal Democratic Party runoff 185–156 over Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
• Outgoing party leader and prime minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to resign before the parliamentary selection.
• Lacking majorities in both chambers, the LDP will need support from opposition lawmakers or an expanded partner to confirm her.
• In her first remarks, Takaichi pledged to "work, work and work" and pressed for swift policy action and party unity.
• The conservative ally of the late Shinzo Abe previously visited Yasukuni Shrine and has been on a Russian sanctions list since 2022.