In a landmark decision, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected Sanae Takaichi, 64, as its new leader, positioning her to become the country’s first female prime minister. The conservative lawmaker, a former economic security minister and admirer of Margaret Thatcher, defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff vote among party lawmakers and members.
Takaichi’s victory comes amid turmoil for the LDP, which lost its parliamentary majority in recent elections due to a funding scandal and public frustration over rising living costs. She pledged to restore trust by tackling immigration, boosting economic security, and prioritizing national interests in a “put Japan first” approach. Parliament is expected to confirm her as PM on October 15, replacing outgoing leader Shigeru Ishiba.
The move marks a historic step for gender equality in Japan, ranked low globally on women’s leadership, and could signal a rightward shift in policy.
