In a landmark shift for Japanese politics, Sanae Takaichi, a seasoned conservative with a reputation for being unyielding on national security and economic policy, has secured the leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This places her on the path to becoming Japan’s first-ever female prime minister—a historic moment in a nation long known for its male-dominated political landscape.
At 64, Takaichi is not new to power or controversy. Her political idol is Margaret Thatcher, and like the former British prime minister, she carries herself with steely determination. Tasked now with breathing new life into a fatigued LDP, she takes the reins at a time when Japan is grappling with profound challenges: an ageing population, economic stagnation, geopolitical tension, and rising anxiety over immigration.
Her victory came after a dramatic leadership race that saw her outlast Shinjiro Koizumi, a charismatic 44-year-old political star and son of former PM Junichiro Koizumi. Had he won, Koizumi would have become the youngest modern-era prime minister of Japan, symbolizing a generational shift. But experience, policy clarity, and Takaichi’s no-nonsense stance on key issues swayed the party in her favor.
In her campaign, Takaichi echoed the anti-immigration sentiment increasingly voiced by the Sanseito party, a growing populist force that frames immigration as a “silent invasion.” While Japan remains one of the most culturally homogeneous societies—with only about 3% of its population born abroad—rhetoric on immigration is now front and center in political debates.
Takaichi’s stance is unambiguous: Japan should “reconsider policies that allow in people with completely different cultures and backgrounds.” Koizumi, too, warned that “illegal employment of foreigners” was creating public safety concerns. These views, though controversial, resonate with certain voter segments who feel increasingly uneasy in the face of change.
Yet the streets tell a more complex story. In the multicultural city of Kawaguchi, 66-year-old Kimiko Tamura shared her concern: “Tolerance in society towards foreigners is weakening.” Meanwhile, Nguyen Thu Huong, a 33-year-old Vietnamese resident of Japan, reflected: “It’s hard to learn a new culture… but Japan is still a good place to live.”
On economic policy, Takaichi is known for advocating aggressive stimulus measures—a nod to her mentor, Shinzo Abe, and his signature economic revival plan dubbed “Abenomics.” Her views may evolve further as she attempts to steer Japan through fiscal turbulence, social uncertainty, and fragile diplomatic ties—especially with China.
Despite the global celebration of her gender milestone, political analysts caution that Takaichi’s rise does not necessarily signal progress for gender equality in Japan. Yuki Tsuji, a professor of politics and gender, remarked, “She has no interest in women’s rights or gender equality policies.” This raises questions about what her leadership will truly mean for Japanese women.
Still, even with her conservative roots and complex policy mix, Takaichi’s impending appointment is a pivotal moment in Japanese history—one that forces a national reckoning with tradition, leadership, identity, and progress.
