News
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) held its leadership election on October 4, 2025, and selected Sanae Takaichi as the new party leader. She is the first female president of the LDP and is widely expected to become Japan’s next prime minister. However, since the LDP is currently a minority government, uncertainties remain depending on the outcome of the parliamentary vote to designate the prime minister.
Takaichi defeated Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff, winning with 185 votes.
A former internal affairs minister, she is known for her conservative and nationalist leanings, and has long supported expansionary fiscal policies.
The leadership race was shaped by internal divisions within the LDP, falling approval ratings, and the unstable position of the coalition government in parliament.
Source: Reuters — Japan ruling party picks Sanae Takaichi as new leader
Election Results
First Round
| Candidate | Total | Lawmakers | Party Members |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanae Takaichi | 183 | 64 | 119 |
| Shinjiro Koizumi | 164 | 80 | 84 |
| Yoshimasa Hayashi | 134 | 72 | 62 |
| Takayuki Kobayashi | 59 | 44 | 15 |
| Toshimitsu Motegi | 49 | 34 | 15 |
Runoff
| Candidate | Total | Lawmakers | Prefectural Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanae Takaichi | 185 | 149 | 36 |
| Shinjiro Koizumi | 156 | 145 | 11 |
Additional Context
In the first round of voting, Takaichi, Koizumi, and Hayashi were closely contested, with none securing a majority.
Initially, Koizumi was expected to hold the advantage in the runoff due to the greater weight of lawmakers’ votes. However, Takaichi managed to narrowly outpace him even among lawmakers, overturning expectations and becoming the first female leader of the LDP.
The margin was slim, reflecting a divided party base.
Takaichi has expanded her support by advocating bold economic stimulus, including fiscal spending, and strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities.
Diplomatically, she is known for her hardline stance toward China, while signaling a more conciliatory approach toward South Korea—drawing attention to her flexible, issue-by-issue positioning.
As a result, while she is hailed domestically as Japan’s first female leader with reformist potential, overseas reactions have been more cautious, often emphasizing her past remarks and ideological leanings.
Overseas Reactions
The following are excerpts and translations of user comments from the online discussion.
“She may be the first female prime minister, but she is terrible for women. It’s sad what’s happening around the world.”
“For those who don’t know: she opposed gender equality laws, supported forcing women to change their surnames, and has a history of racist comments and even Hitler apologism in the 1990s. She idolized Thatcher but said Thatcher was ‘perhaps a touch too liberal.’”
“She lies for her own agenda. She claimed tourists were kicking deer in Nara, but local officials denied it. Then she said she wants to regulate the press that speaks against her. Lol.”
“So she’s Japan’s Trump?”
“‘Nara denied it’ just sounds like the local government avoiding responsibility. There are tons of videos of foreigners kicking deer, so no wonder people support her.”
“Then show me the video. The only ones I’ve seen of people actually kicking deer were locals. The ones she referred to are from a right-wing crank making fake videos where even pushing a deer away with a water bottle is exaggerated.”
“Fuck me, why do the baddies always win in this timeline?”
“Media consumption plays a huge role. I don’t know Japanese media specifically, but like everywhere else, consolidation means fewer companies control what people see and hear. Right-wing ideology always supports the 1%, so of course that’s what gets pushed. It’s a cycle headed for destruction.”
“She’s basically Japan’s Thatcher. A female politician who succeeded by leaning hard into being ultra-right, ultra-conservative.”
“A far-right prime minister emerging in Japan—this is the worst news as a Korean.”
“I’m Korean too, and geopolitically this feels like the worst possible time. Still, I hope exchanges between Japanese and Korean people increase. Ultimately, democracies must join hands.”
“I’m Japanese and I hate her. To all foreigners, I apologize in advance for the inconvenience and unpleasantness she will cause. I hope she and the LDP pay for their actions, and please don’t hesitate to criticize them when their stupidity causes trouble internationally.”
“At the very least, Japan–Korea relations will completely stall. I can’t wait to see how Japan’s first female prime minister will ‘punish’ South Korea, which she considers inferior. /s”
“She once openly said South Korea was walking all over Japan because Japan was too passive—clearly looking down on Korea.”
“Another Trump-type figure leading a major democracy…”
“I hate this. I’m a woman living in Japan, and I don’t understand why the LDP is called the ‘Liberal Democratic Party.’ They’re hardline conservatives, and even the word ‘democratic’ is questionable. We don’t need another far-right grifter as a world leader—especially one who’s anti-woman!”
“For those who don’t know, she visited a shrine that honors WWII war criminals, and she did it on the exact day of Japan’s 1945 surrender. Can you imagine a German leader doing the same?”
“She’s a hardline right-winger in a party already full of revisionists. Hardly shocking.”
“To be precise, Yasukuni Shrine doesn’t ‘honor’ war criminals—it houses a list of all war dead, which includes some WWII criminals. That nuance matters. I’ve been many times; it’s about comforting souls, not glorifying crimes.”
“Still, it’s undeniable that 1,066 war criminals are enshrined there, and that’s hugely controversial. Even Emperor Hirohito stopped visiting for that reason. Abe last visited in 2013—12 years ago. It’s clearly unacceptable to many.”
“Exactly. The controversy persists because some see it as glorifying aggression, while others believe all who died in service deserve remembrance. That’s why it remains divisive. The Emperor still sends envoys with offerings, but hasn’t visited personally since 1978.”
“In 1978, Yasukuni’s chief priest deliberately enshrined 14 Class-A war criminals. That was a political act, not a neutral roll call. After that, Emperor Hirohito stopped visiting, and neither Akihito nor Naruhito has gone since.”
“That’s true. Hence the continuing controversy—whether it’s honoring aggression or mourning the dead depends on interpretation. But the debate won’t end anytime soon.”
“Imagine if Germany had a Pantheon honoring its war dead throughout history, and among them were Hitler, Himmler, and Ribbentrop—asking visitors to pray for their peaceful repose. The West would never accept that.”
“No one at Yasukuni calls them heroes. The names are listed, and visitors are simply asked to pray for peace for the souls of the dead.”
Analysis: Challenges Facing Takaichi’s New Leadership
Kingmakers and the Runoff Outcome
The race was heavily influenced by key “kingmakers”—Taro Aso, Fumio Kishida, and Yoshihide Suga.
Aso threw his weight behind Takaichi and was all smiles after her victory, while Kishida, who backed Hayashi, looked visibly bitter. Suga supported Koizumi, but failed to overcome the LDP factions’ organizational clout.
The outcome was a narrow win, leaving a clear anti-Takaichi bloc inside the party—meaning her leadership begins on fragile ground.
Economic Policy and Market Concerns
Takaichi emphasizes household relief through subsidies and tax cuts, with aggressive fiscal spending. While this appeals politically, markets worry about ballooning debt, fiscal discipline, and possible inflationary pressure. Investors are watching carefully for whether her administration can present a long-term growth vision beyond short-term stimulus.
Minority Government and Coalition Dynamics
The LDP remains a minority government, making parliamentary management difficult. Cooperation with Komeito is essential, but Takaichi has also left the door open to ad-hoc cooperation with the Democratic Party for the People, as well as even Ishin and the Constitutional Democrats on specific issues.
Such a flexible, case-by-case coalition approach may be the only realistic path forward.
Diplomatic Challenges: Meeting Trump
Takaichi’s first major test abroad will be her early summit with U.S. President Trump. Trade, security, and currency are expected to dominate the agenda. For a new leader with an unsteady domestic base, projecting stability and competence internationally will be crucial.
The LDP’s Burden: Unification Church and Money Scandals
The new administration inherits the party’s baggage—links with the Unification Church and slush fund scandals. Without transparent accountability and reform, public trust will remain elusive, regardless of policy achievements.
Early Election and Reclaiming Conservative Votes
Another looming question is the timing of a general election.
Given the current minority status, an early dissolution could be used to seek a fresh mandate. Takaichi may be tempted to call a snap election to reclaim conservative voters who have drifted to the Democratic Party for the People, Sanseitō, or the Japan Conservative Party.
Her symbolic status as Japan’s first female prime minister could help rally both the right and some moderates.
However, rushing into an election without policy results risks criticism as opportunistic. A more likely scenario is a mid-term election in 2026, once economic and diplomatic results can be showcased.
Conclusion: A Leadership of Expectations and Uncertainties
Sanae Takaichi’s rise as the LDP’s first female leader is historic, but her path forward is fraught with challenges.
Economic effectiveness, coalition management, diplomatic credibility, and addressing the party’s scandals will all determine whether she can establish herself as a credible prime minister.
The key question ahead: not just whether she becomes Japan’s first female prime minister, but how long she can hold on once she does.
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