Sanae Takaichi Set to Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister After Winning LDP Leadership
Sanae Takaichi was elected Saturday to lead Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, positioning her to become the country’s first female prime minister. Takaichi, 64, a former economic security minister known for her right-leaning views, defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, in a runoff after none of the five candidates secured a majority in the first round of voting. Koizumi, 43, would have been Japan’s youngest prime minister in more than a century if he had won. The parliamentary vote to formally select Japan’s next prime minister is expected on Oct. 15. As the LDP remains the largest party in parliament, Takaichi is expected to succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Saturday’s vote included 295 LDP lawmakers and about 1 million dues-paying party members, representing roughly 1% of Japan’s population. Takaichi will face significant challenges once in office, including a rapidly aging population, sluggish economic growth, rising geopolitical tensions, and increasing debate over immigration policy. Although the LDP retains the largest bloc in the Diet, the ruling coalition lost its majority in both chambers in recent elections. To govern effectively, Takaichi’s administration will likely seek to strengthen its alliance with the moderate Komeito party and reach out to centrist opposition groups. Takaichi’s election marks a historic moment for Japan, which has never before had a woman serve as prime minister in its postwar history.
