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Sanae Takaichi secured victory in Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party leadership contest Saturday, positioning the conservative politician to become the country's first female prime minister in a historic breakthrough for Japanese politics.
The 64-year-old former Internal Affairs Minister defeated Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a decisive runoff vote, capturing 185 votes to Koizumi's 156 in the initial round before prevailing in the second ballot that determined leadership of the party that has governed Japan for most of the past seven decades.
Takaichi's victory came after a leadership race originally scheduled for 2027 was moved up following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's resignation announcement on Sept. 7, triggered by the coalition's defeat in July's upper house elections. The LDP-led coalition currently lacks a parliamentary majority, though Takaichi is expected to be confirmed as prime minister when lawmakers convene later this month.
"Together with so many of you, we have carved a new era for the LDP," Takaichi declared at party headquarters following her win. "We must all pull together across all generations and work as one to rebuild (the LDP)... Everyone will have to work like a horse."
The leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for Japan as it grapples with mounting domestic and international challenges. Takaichi, who counts Margaret Thatcher among her political heroes, faces the immediate task of restoring her party's fortunes amid declining public support and the rise of smaller opposition parties, including the anti-immigration Sanseito.
International observers quickly took notice of the historic development. Diplomatic representatives from the United Kingdom, United States, and Israel congratulated Takaichi on her victory. Taiwan's top diplomat Lin Chia-lung expressed gratitude for "her friendship and support of Taiwan for many years" and voiced hopes for closer Taiwan-Japan relations.
However, Takaichi's positions on contentious regional issues may complicate Japan's diplomatic relationships. She indicated she would not rule out future visits to the controversial Yasukuni shrine, which honors Japan's war dead and has long been a source of tension with South Korea and China.
"This absolutely should not be turned into a diplomatic issue," Takaichi said. "I intend to work diligently to create an international environment where we can mutually honor those who gave their lives for their homeland."
Beijing's foreign ministry responded cautiously to her victory, stating "it is hoped that Japan will abide by... its political commitments on major issues such as history and Taiwan, (and) pursue a positive and rational policy toward China."
On economic policy, Takaichi outlined her approach during a post-victory news conference, advocating for what she termed "demand-pull inflation" where "wage increases driving demand growth, leading to a gradual rising of prices and corporate profits" would represent "the best outcome."
The new LDP leader also addressed trade relations with the United States, pledging to maintain existing agreements. "I will not overturn what Japan and U.S. have agreed," she said, though she indicated Tokyo "must stand" its ground against anything "unfair that is not in Japan's interests."
Takaichi's ascension represents both historic progress and potential controversy. While her victory breaks Japan's ultimate political glass ceiling, critics question whether her conservative positions will advance women's rights. Coming from the traditionalist wing of the LDP, she opposes revising laws requiring married couples to share the same surname and has taken positions against same-sex marriage.
The leadership contest also highlighted generational divisions within the party. Koizumi, at 44, would have become Japan's youngest modern prime minister and represented a more socially progressive alternative that might have appealed to younger voters increasingly drawn to opposition parties.
As Japan confronts demographic challenges including a rapidly aging population, economic uncertainty, and complex immigration debates, Takaichi inherits what she described as a "mountain of work." Her immediate priorities include one potentially significant diplomatic engagement: receiving U.S. President Donald Trump, who is reportedly planning a stopover in Japan in late October.
The LDP's struggles reflect broader challenges facing Japan's political establishment. The party has been "hemorrhaging support" as voters express anger over inflation and a slush fund scandal that has tarnished its reputation since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's assassination in 2022.
Takaichi's victory sets the stage for Japan to join the small group of nations currently led by women, though her policy positions suggest the historic nature of her leadership may not necessarily translate into expanded opportunities for Japanese women or marginalized communities.
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