25.10.04.Today News : Sanae Takaichi Elected LDP Leader, Poised to Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Sanae Takaichi Elected LDP Leader, Poised to Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

📍A conservative hardliner secures leadership on her third attempt, raising hopes and concerns for Japan’s future

Sanae Takaichi, former minister for economic security and a staunch conservative, has been elected as the new leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. With this victory, she is expected to become Japan’s first-ever female prime minister after the upcoming parliamentary vote. While the milestone marks historic progress, her hardline views and controversial stances may bring new tensions to Japan’s domestic politics and foreign relations, particularly with South Korea.

Sanae Takaichi, known for her far-right conservative leanings, has been elected as the new president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

---

■ First Female LDP President
Sanae Takaiichi, former Minister of Economic Security and known for her hardline conservative stance, was elected as the 29th president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on October 4. She defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in the runoff by 185 votes to 156, paving the way to become Japan’s first-ever female prime minister.

■ Background of Victory and Conservative Unity
Takaiichi’s triumph was driven by overwhelming grassroots support and the decisive backing of former Prime Minister Taro Aso’s faction. Many lawmakers who supported other candidates in the first round rallied behind her in the runoff, highlighting the strong influence of conservative unity within the LDP.

■ Symbolism of Female Leadership and Economic Reform Tasks
Her election marks a historic symbolic change, as Japan had been the only G7 country never to have a female prime minister. Yet symbolism alone will not solve the country’s challenges: low growth, rising prices, aging population, and inequality. Increasing female labor participation and expanding social infrastructure are seen as key to revitalizing Japan’s economy.

■ Uncertain Outlook for Korea-Japan Relations
Though she softened her conservative tone during the election, Takaiichi’s regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and remarks on territorial disputes could complicate ties with South Korea. While she stressed cooperation with Korea during the campaign, any shift to a more hardline stance as prime minister could strain bilateral relations.

■ Policy Challenges in Economy
Takaiichi inherits a troubled economy after former PM Shigeru Ishiba’s government failed to manage inflation and social reforms. With rising food prices and public frustration, she must quickly present tangible solutions. Her past emphasis on economic security suggests this will be a central pillar of her administration.

■ Concerns Over Democracy and Media Freedom
Past remarks about the Broadcast Law raised concerns over political intervention in media. If such controversies resurface, Japan could face a decline in democratic credibility at home and abroad, further complicating its international relations.

■ Outlook
Takaiichi’s election marks a watershed moment in Japanese politics, but its real value lies in translating symbolism into policy results. South Korea must adopt a pragmatic yet principled diplomatic approach to manage future tensions. The Takaiichi era will be a test not just of leadership, but of Japan’s capacity for structural reform.

One-line summary : Sanae Takaiichi’s election as the first female LDP leader paves the way for Japan’s first woman prime minister, raising challenges in conservative politics, Korea-Japan relations, and economic reform.