Tokyo: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, positioning her to become the nation’s first female prime minister and marking a historic moment in the country’s modern political landscape.
In a decisive runoff vote, Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, securing the party’s top post after an intense intraparty contest.
Her victory makes her the first woman to head Japan’s long-dominant conservative LDP. Takaichi succeeds Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down following a string of election defeats that cost the LDP its majority in both houses of parliament.
The party, seeking to recover its footing and rebuild public confidence, turned to Takaichi to steer it through a period of political uncertainty and economic strain.
Known for her staunch conservative views, Takaichi has long been one of the most ideologically rigid members of the LDP. Yet her victory signals a shift in the party’s internal dynamics.
With the LDP still the largest party in the lower house, which elects Japan’s prime minister, Takaichi is virtually assured to take office once parliament votes later this month. A formal parliamentary confirmation is expected in mid-October.
📌高市早苗新総裁を選出
初の女性総裁が党再建への重責担う… pic.twitter.com/MLwX4TIb6c— 自民党広報 (@jimin_koho) October 4, 2025
The leadership vote drew participation from 295 LDP lawmakers and about one million dues-paying members, representing roughly 1 percent of Japan’s population. Five candidates entered the race, including current and former ministers.
Early opinion polls had placed Koizumi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi as the main contenders, with Takaichi gaining momentum in the final days of campaigning.
All candidates presented themselves as ‘moderate conservatives’, promising to tackle inflation, boost wages, strengthen national defense, and stabilize Japan’s post-pandemic economy.
However, they largely sidestepped sensitive social and political issues, including gender equality, same-sex marriage, and a recent party funding scandal that eroded public trust.
Once confirmed as prime minister, Takaichi will face immediate tests at home and abroad. The LDP must urgently consolidate alliances in parliament, possibly expanding its coalition with the centrist Komeito party and reaching out to moderate opposition groups to push forward key legislation.
On the international front, she is expected to meet US President Donald Trump later this month during his visit to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. The meeting will likely focus on defense cooperation and regional security, amid renewed calls from Washington for Tokyo to increase its defense spending.
