The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan has chosen Sanae Takaichi, the former economic security minister, as its new leader. This win paves the way for Takaichi to become the country’s first female Prime Minister. The LDP held the leadership election on October 4th, following the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on September 7th.
The election saw five candidates vying for the position, but the main contest was between Takaichi and Shinjuro Koizumi, the agriculture minister. Takaichi secured victory in the run-off vote, besting Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
In the initial round of voting, Takaichi received 183 votes, while Koizumi received 164. As no candidate secured a majority, a run-off was held. This run-off involved 295 LDP lawmakers and around 1 million party members, representing only 1% of Japan’s population.
Takaichi, 64, is known as a conservative figure. She supports controversial policies such as visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, amending Japan’s pacifist constitution, and bolstering security cooperation with Taiwan. She has also proposed a review of investment agreements with the United States.
Before the run-off vote, Takaichi stated that the criticism from across the country, questioning the LDP’s direction, fueled her. She expressed her desire to transform people’s daily lives and concerns about the future into optimism.
Her win makes her the first woman to become Prime Minister of Japan. Her campaign priorities include economic growth and security for the nation. Takaichi has put forward a plan to double Japan’s economy within a decade.
She views India as a key strategic partner and wants to strengthen cooperation in the Quad and Indo-Pacific regions.
A parliamentary vote is expected in mid-October to officially confirm the new Prime Minister. The new leader will immediately face diplomatic challenges, including a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the APEC summit in South Korea at the end of October. At this meeting, Japan might face pressure to increase its defense spending.