Sanae Takaichi bows after winning LDP leadership, becoming the first woman to lead Japan’s ruling party and next prime minister (Photo: Pinterest)
This is a very historic moment for Japanese politics as former Minister for Economic Security Sanae Takaichi has been elected the new chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This election means Takaichi could potentially be Japan’s first female prime minister and indicates a slight shift in a country that has known gender inequalities in governance for ages.
At the age of 64, Takaichi surged into first place in a runoff against Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi by a vote of 185 against 156. Her election also marks a landmark occasion in her party which has had a history of male management and conservative tradition.
A right-wing hardliner who speaks highly of Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is also said to be an ally of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Her frequent visits to the distasteful Yasukuni Shrine, defense initiatives aimed at building a stronger Japan and inseparable national security policy view have all created both domestic and international buzz in the world of countries that share historic grievances against Japan.
While Takaichi calls herself a moderate conservative, she appears to be taking a harder line on issues such as defense, foreign labor and cybersecurity. During her campaign activities she has been coy in her touch on dividing social issues consciously trying to appeal to party members and factions both within and outside the LDP.
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Sanae Takaichi born in Nara in 1961 and went on to study business management at Kobe University before undertaking a temporary stint as a congressional fellow in the United States. She once played drums in a heavy metal band and is an avid motorcyclist a rare personal glimpse into Japanese politics which is typically staid.
Having entered parliament in 1993 and into the LDP in 1996, Takaichi has held a variety of ministerial posts, including Minister for Communications, Minister for Gender Equality and Minister for Economic Security. Her record is characterized by a disciplined, ideological and loyal approach to the LDP.
She emerged as the party leader, Takaichi will assume her duties in a fractured political environment. The LDP has recently lost its majority and faces increased public suspicion of its activities due to falling into a whirlpool of corruption scandals and failures in reform though her endorsement in Parliament is expected uncertain.
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Another immediate test of her foreign relations will be a possible meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump sometime this month, where discussions will likely revolve around Japan's defense contributions in the lead-up to the APEC Summit in South Korea.
As of 2025, estimates about her fortune range between $2-4 million USD and wealth mainly comes from the official salary on her rank as a senior functionary of the government, benefits tied to her public office, royalties from books authored by her and honest investments made through lawful means. Financial disclosures elucidating her long-term crusade towards stability over personal mammoth fortune somewhat correlate with her identification as a disciplined and policy-oriented Leader.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Political developments may evolve; readers should consult official sources for the latest updates.
