In a landmark vote that could reshape Japanese politics, Sanae Takaichi has been elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, paving the way for her to step into the role of prime minister. The announcement came on Saturday, October 4, 2025, following a tight contest within the party ranks. At 64, Takaichi edged out rivals including the more moderate Shinjiro Koizumi, securing the top spot after a series of debates that highlighted deep divisions over economic policy and national security.
Indeed, this isn't just any leadership shuffle. Takaichi, a hard-line conservative and longtime admirer of Margaret Thatcher, brings a nationalist edge to the forefront. She's no stranger to high office—serving as economic security minister under previous administrations and even running for the LDP presidency back in 2021. Her victory comes amid turmoil for the party, which lost ground in recent elections under outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month after barely a year in power. Parliament is set to confirm her on October 15, assuming the coalition holds.
However, Takaichi's path ahead looks anything but smooth. Japan grapples with an ageing population that's straining social services, rising inflation pinching everyday wallets, and growing unease over immigration as borders feel the pressure from regional tensions. She's promised an expansionary agenda—boosting defense spending and tweaking monetary policy—but critics worry her right-leaning stance might alienate moderates and strain ties with neighbors like China. Moreover, as the first woman in this role, expectations are sky-high, though her track record on gender issues has drawn mixed reviews from female voters.
Still, for a nation that's seen three prime ministers in five years, this feels like a potential stabilizing force, or perhaps just another chapter in the churn. One wonders if her Thatcher-inspired resolve will steady the ship or rock it further.