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51m ago

Sanae Takaichi Wins LDP Leadership, Seeks Votes to Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Coalition negotiations in a divided Diet now determine whether she secures the job.

Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), poses in the party leader's office after the LDP leadership 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/File Photo
Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), gestures as she leaves the party leader's office after the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. 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
The yen tumbled against the dollar after Japan's LDP picked Sanae Takaichi to become the next prime minister.

Overview

  • Sanae Takaichi, 64, an ally of the late Shinzo Abe, defeated Shinjiro Koizumi in an Oct. 4 runoff to lead the Liberal Democratic Party.
  • The Diet is expected to vote around Oct. 15, but the LDP lacks majorities, putting pressure on Takaichi to secure partner backing as Komeito signals unease and outreach to Nippon Ishin is discussed.
  • She champions a return to Abenomics-style fiscal expansion, has criticized interest-rate hikes, pledged to “work, work, work,” and favors a tougher defense posture.
  • She has questioned the recent U.S. trade arrangement that set a 15% tariff level in exchange for a roughly $550 billion Japanese investment pledge, though she also indicated she would preserve the deal.
  • Initial international responses included congratulations from Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te and a cautious statement from China’s Foreign Ministry urging fidelity to prior political commitments.