Sanae Takaichi is set to become Japan’s first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the country’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The 64-year-old conservative described the moment as the start of a “new era” for the long-dominant party, which has been struggling with declining public support.
Takaichi, who has cited Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration, acknowledged the challenges ahead—including an aging population, economic uncertainty, and rising geopolitical tensions. She defeated her more progressive rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, in a runoff vote on Saturday.
Her appointment is expected to be formally confirmed by parliament later this month, making her Japan’s fifth prime minister in five years.
One of her first major diplomatic duties will be hosting U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit Japan in late October. Takaichi stated she does not intend to overturn a recent trade deal between the two countries, despite some lingering questions about the agreement.
On the domestic front, Takaichi faces pressure to address immigration—a divisive issue in a country where foreign-born residents make up only 3% of the population. During her campaign, she suggested Japan should reconsider policies that allow in people with “completely different cultures and backgrounds,” echoing rhetoric used by right-wing populist parties.
Economically, she has supported aggressive monetary easing and large fiscal spending, continuing the policies of her political mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
However, her socially conservative views have drawn criticism. Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has shown little interest in gender equality reforms. She also supports a law requiring married couples to share the same surname—a policy many see as outdated.
Her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, viewed by neighbors like China and South Korea as a symbol of Japan’s wartime aggression, may also complicate regional relations. Beijing has already urged her government to uphold political commitments on historical issues and Taiwan.
