Right-wing conservative Sanae Takaichi has secured a pivotal leadership victory, overcoming Japan’s predominantly male political landscape.
Sanae Takaichi, previously Japan’s Economic Security Minister, has been chosen as the leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), placing her on the path to become the nation’s inaugural female prime minister.
The vote on Saturday followed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s announcement earlier this month of his intent to resign, a move aimed at averting a party division. During Ishiba’s year-long tenure leading the government, the LDP had forfeited its majority in both parliamentary chambers.
Takaichi emerged victorious against Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a run-off election, necessitated after none of the initial five candidates achieved an outright majority. She garnered support from 159 LDP members, surpassing her opponent by 29 votes.
“I sense the considerable challenges ahead, rather than joy,” the 64-year-old stated. “I intend to abandon my work-life balance and dedicate myself entirely to work.”
She urged for party cohesion within the LDP, emphasizing that “the party’s reconstruction will be impossible without the collective assistance of all generations.”
A special session of the Japanese parliament is anticipated in mid-October to select the new prime minister, with Takaichi’s appointment appearing highly probable given the opposition’s inability to consolidate support behind one candidate.
The incoming LDP leader previously acknowledged her admiration for the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, known as ‘The Iron Lady.’ Takaichi expressed being motivated by Thatcher’s capacity to blend formidable character with “womanly warmth.”
Consistently positioned on the party’s right wing, Takaichi has championed a more assertive approach towards China and advocated for enhanced military expenditure.
Furthermore, she has voiced criticism of Russia regarding the conflict in Ukraine, asserting that Moscow’s current leadership should not be considered a participant in post-World War II peace treaty negotiations with Tokyo.
Nonetheless, Takaichi seemed to temper her positions prior to the LDP leadership ballot, indicating her desire to be perceived as “more of a moderate conservative now.” She additionally referred to Beijing as an “important neighbor” and highlighted the necessity of bolstering bilateral relations.