Tokyo: From pounding drums in a college heavy metal band to steering the political helm of the world’s third-largest economy, Sanae Takaichi’s journey to the top is as unconventional as it is historic. Newly elected as the leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Takaichi is poised to become the nation’s first woman prime minister, breaking a glass ceiling while charting a distinctly conservative path.
The 64-year-old, widely described as a staunch conservative, won Saturday’s party leadership election by defeating Shinjiro Koizumi, the 44-year-old son of a former prime minister, and seasoned politician Yoshimasa Hayashi. Analysts note that her victory signals continuity for the LDP’s right-wing faction rather than a shift toward progressive politics. Once confirmed by parliament a near certainty given LDP dominance Takaichi will become Japan’s fifth prime minister in as many years, a reflection of voter dissatisfaction and political instability.
Takaichi’s platform is centered on national defence, economic security, and curbing immigration. In a strategic bid to reclaim voters lost to the anti-immigration Sanseito party, she has emphasized stricter regulations on foreign tourists and immigration, while advocating for robust fiscal spending and aggressive monetary easing reminiscent of her late political mentor, Shinzo Abe. Known for her vocal criticism of China’s military expansion in the Asia-Pacific, Takaichi has also been a regular visitor to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Japan’s war dead including convicted war criminals a move that has drawn scrutiny from neighbouring countries.
Despite her historic ascent, observers caution against framing her rise as a feminist milestone. Professor Emeritus Sadafumi Kawato of the University of Tokyo notes that while Takaichi’s premiership represents progress in women’s political participation, she has shown little inclination to challenge entrenched patriarchal norms. She opposes revising the century-old law requiring married couples to share a surname a rule that overwhelmingly compels women to adopt their husband’s name though she has pledged to enhance gender representation in her cabinet to “Nordic” levels.
Takaichi draws inspiration from Margaret Thatcher, whom she regards as a model for strong, decisive leadership. Her support base remains concentrated in the conservative wing of the LDP, particularly among followers of the late Shinzo Abe, and she has vowed to continue “Abenomics” policies with aggressive fiscal and monetary measures that could reverberate in global markets. On foreign trade, she has indicated she would not hesitate to push for renegotiations with the United States if existing deals are deemed unfavorable to Japan.
As voters desert the LDP amid inflation and a recent political scandal, Takaichi’s ascension represents both a historic first and a test of whether conservative policies can restore confidence in a party struggling to maintain its long-dominant status. While her tenure may be a breakthrough for women in leadership, analysts say her agenda will largely reflect a hardline, nationalist vision rather than a transformative gender-progressive agenda.