Japan may soon see its first female prime minister as Sanae Takaichi, a 64-year-old conservative heavyweight, has been elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). But while her rise marks a historic moment in Japanese politics, her path ahead is anything but easy.
Takaichi inherits a fractured party reeling from scandals, electoral defeats and internal power struggles. Her immediate challenge will be to rebuild unity within the LDP, which recently lost its parliamentary majority under outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after just over a year in office.
Beyond party politics, Takaichi faces a nation growing increasingly frustrated with stagnant wages, persistent inflation and sluggish economic recovery. She has pledged to revive the signature economic policy of her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe — known as Abenomics — which centres on aggressive fiscal spending and ultra-low interest rates. Whether that model can still work in today’s economic climate remains uncertain.
Internationally, Takaichi will take office at a time of shifting geopolitical realities. Tokyo’s relationship with Washington — particularly under the Trump administration — will require careful navigation, especially with pending tariff agreements still in play. Her strong national security stance and commitment to revising Japan’s pacifist constitution signal a tougher foreign policy approach.
However, Takaichi’s conservative agenda has stirred mixed reactions among voters, especially women. Despite being on the verge of becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, she has long opposed policies widely regarded as essential for gender equality — including legislation allowing married women to retain their maiden names. She is also firmly against same-sex marriage.
Her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine — a memorial site that honours Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals — have drawn criticism from neighbouring countries and parts of the Japanese public.
Takaichi often cites former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her political inspiration, openly expressing her desire to become Japan’s own “Iron Lady”. Now, closer than ever to that ambition, she must prove whether she can not only project strength but also deliver stability.
Although she is expected to be confirmed by parliament, the process will not be automatic as in the past. With the LDP weakened, Takaichi will need broader support — and fast.
Her leadership marks a pivotal moment. Will she be remembered as a groundbreaking reformer or a divisive conservative figurehead? Japan is about to find out.
