Tokyo: Japan is on the brink of making history as Sanae Takaichi, newly elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positions herself to become the nation’s first female prime minister. However, her path to the top is proving more complicated than expected, with tensions emerging within the long-standing LDP-Komeito coalition.

The friction stems from disagreements over Takaichi’s conservative positions, including her views on immigration and her visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. These differences have raised concerns that her parliamentary confirmation, initially scheduled for October 15, could face delays or challenges. To secure a majority, Takaichi may need to form alliances with other parties such as the Democratic Party for the People, which supports fiscal stimulus and tax cuts. Meanwhile, opposition parties, led by the Constitutional Democratic Party, are exploring alternative candidates but face difficulty in presenting a united front.

Despite these obstacles, Takaichi remains the frontrunner. Her election has already influenced financial markets, with investors drawing comparisons to the late Shinzo Abe’s economic policies. The Nikkei index surged to record highs, while the yen weakened beyond the 150-per-dollar mark. Takaichi advocates for expansionary policies, including increased government spending and tax cuts, though analysts note that Japan now faces a more challenging economic environment compared to Abe’s era, with high national debt, ongoing inflationary pressures, and a tightening Bank of Japan.

Takaichi has also proposed a “crisis management investment” strategy to support sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, nuclear fusion, biotechnology, advanced medicine, materials, and defense. She emphasizes that such investments are necessary to boost Japan’s long-term economic growth while maintaining fiscal discipline and sustainability.

Her leadership is expected to impact both domestic and international policies. Domestically, her conservative stances on women’s rights and immigration have sparked debate. On the international stage, she has pledged to maintain strong ties with Taiwan and honor investment agreements with the United States, moves that could heighten tensions with China and South Korea.

As Takaichi navigates coalition negotiations and prepares for parliamentary approval, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether she can successfully secure her place in history as Japan’s first female prime minister.