Japan’s Takaichi Set to Become Country’s First Female Prime Minister

October 4, 2025: Japan’s ruling party has chosen conservative nationalist Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, putting her on track to become the country’s first female prime minister. The 64-year-old politician was elected on Saturday by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as it seeks to regain public trust amid rising living costs and growing support for opposition parties promising economic stimulus and stricter immigration policies. A parliamentary vote to officially appoint the next prime minister, replacing Shigeru Ishiba, is expected on October 15. If confirmed, Takaichi would lead the world’s fourth-largest economy. The LDP, which has ruled Japan for nearly all of the postwar period, remains the largest party in parliament, but its recent losses in both houses under Ishiba make her leadership a crucial test. Takaichi, the only woman among the five LDP leadership candidates, defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, who aimed to become the youngest modern-era leader. She previously served as Japan’s internal affairs minister and supports an expansionary economic approach to tackle the nation’s financial challenges. During her campaign, Takaichi highlighted the party’s need to reconnect with voters. “Recently, I have heard harsh voices from across the country saying we don’t know what the LDP stands for anymore,” she said. “That sense of urgency drove me. I wanted to turn people’s anxieties about their daily lives and the future into hope.” She has positioned herself as a follower of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s “Abenomics” strategy, which promotes aggressive government spending and easy monetary policies to stimulate growth. Takaichi has criticized recent interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan and suggested revisiting a U.S. investment deal negotiated under former President Donald Trump. These positions could worry investors concerned about Japan’s high national debt. Takaichi is known for her strong nationalistic views, including regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site linked to Japan’s wartime history, which has drawn criticism from neighboring countries like China and South Korea. She also supports revising Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution and has suggested a “quasi-security alliance” with Taiwan, a move likely to draw Beijing’s attention. Her leadership style may be more assertive than her predecessor’s, and she promises to raise Japan’s international profile. Takaichi said she would travel abroad more often than Ishiba to promote the message that “Japan is Back!” With the country facing economic uncertainty, political challenges, and regional tensions, Takaichi’s upcoming role marks a historic moment as Japan prepares to potentially welcome its first female prime minister. She is expected to hold a press conference around 0900 GMT to outline her vision and plans for the country. Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Japan’s ruling party has chosen Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, putting her on track to become the country’s first female prime minister. The 64-year-old conservative nationalist defeated rival Shinjiro Koizumi and will likely replace Shigeru Ishiba after a parliamentary vote on October 15. Takaichi supports aggressive economic policies, follows former Prime Minister Abe’s strategies, and promises to boost Japan’s global presence. She has strong nationalistic views and may pursue constitutional reforms and closer ties with Taiwan. Her leadership marks a historic moment as Japan prepares for a new era under its first female prime minister.