Japan Set to Elect First Female prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi
TOKYO – Japan is on the cusp of a historic shift, poised to elect its first female prime minister. Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, 64, has emerged victorious in a competitive five-candidate race to succeed Shigeru Ishiba.
Takaichi, a staunch conservative and protégé of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is widely expected to be formally appointed when the Diet convenes for an extraordinary session on October 15th. Despite the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito lacking a parliamentary majority, the LDP’s dominance and a fragmented opposition all but guarantee her ascension to the nation’s top office.
Ishiba’s cabinet will resign en masse on October 15th, concluding a brief tenure that, while facing challenges, surpassed those of previous LDP leaders like Taro Aso.
Takaichi’s immediate diplomatic challenge will be a meeting with United States President Donald Trump, scheduled to visit Tokyo later this month. this victory marks the culmination of her third bid for the premiership,following unsuccessful attempts in 2021 and 2024.
Her campaign was not without controversy, as she faced criticism for nationalist rhetoric and what some described as borderline xenophobic claims regarding foreign crime. However, this did not deter her path to victory.
In her acceptance speech, Takaichi signaled a departure from conventional policy, stating she would prioritize national challenges over the pursuit of “work-life balance.” “Rather than feeling happy right now, I believe the future is truly challenging. We need to turn the anxieties of many people into hope,” she declared.
the statement drew a playful response from Ishiba,who quipped that explicitly abandoning work-life balance demonstrated Takaichi’s unwavering dedication to the nation. He emphasized Japan’s potential to serve as a global role model amidst increasing international conflict and division.
