Sanae Takaichi, a hard conservative and open security hawk, is to become the first Japanese prime minister to become the fourth largest economy in the world at the time of political uncertainty, inflationary tension and the growing regional tension.
The 64 -year -old former newsletter defeated four male applicants to get the leadership of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday, which meant their third post. Her victory will build her to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shiger Ishiba, who announced her resignation after a turbulent year in an office that saw LDP lost its coalition majority in both legislative chambers.
The rise of Takaichi, long considered unlikely in the Japanese political establishment of the dominant man, overwhelmed the outlines of Japanese politics-but its leadership also promises a decisive turn.
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Who is Sanae Takaichi?
Takaichi, who was born in Western Japan, is the first politician in her family and often stood from the facility. The former enthusiasm of the drummer and motorcycles in 1993 entered politics and since then has held several key cabinet roles, including the Minister for Economic Safety from 2022 to 2024.
As her role model, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was often caused and now she broke what she once called the “Japanese highest glass ceiling”. Yet, despite its symbolic output, it is not known for promoting gender equality.
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Takaichi opposed the legalization of independent surnames for married couples and resisted reforms to allow women in the imperial family.
“Takaichi failed at all for the suffering that women face, or for gender differences during the leadership competition,” said Yayo Okano, professor at Doshisha University in Kyoto. “In this sense, I am afraid that this signals a very hard situation for women, because it effectively excludes any prospect of real improvement in Japanese gender inequality in the future.”
Nevertheless, Takaichi undertook to name more women in their cabinet and positions of leaders and promised that LDP “more energetic and clearer side, a party that can transform the anxiety of people in hope”.
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What are Sanae Takaichi’s key policies?
Takaichi, protected by former former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has long been associated with the Japanese nationalist right -wing wing. It supports Abe’s strategy of “free and open Indo-Tichoral” and advocates for stronger defense abilities to face growing threats from China and North Korea.
He believes in the “first Japan” foreign policy and emphasizes that Tokyo should act “primarily in his national interest”. During the campaign debate, she criticized the Japanese tariff agreement with the United States and called its parts “uneven”.
Her approach to China and South Korea could reign diplomatic friction. Takaichi repeatedly visited the controversial shrine Yasukuni, which honors the Japanese wars of the dead, including convicted criminals from World War II. Although she avoided explaining whether she would continue such visits as the Prime Minister, she confirmed her intention to “honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.”
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Takaichi also takes a restrictive attitude to immigration. She recently triggered controversy by claiming that foreigners “Kick Deer” in her hometown Nara – a note that local officials had released.
As regards the economy, it proposes to abolish provisional gas taxes and introduce tax loans with cash benefits that help earnings with low income. They argue that these measures “stimulate consumption while maintaining fiscal discipline”.
What does Sanae Takaichi lead for Japan’s relations – USA?
Takaichi’s tenure is expected to test the resistance of Japanese alliance with the United States. She said she could reopen a $ 550 billion investment agreement signed by Ishib’s administration.
“If elements that harm the Japanese national interest are found during the implementation, then negotiations are possibilities,” she said in a television debate.
While she promotes strengthening security links with Washington and cooperation with South Korea and the Philippines, analysts warn that apparently nationalistic tilt could be isolated diplomatically.
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“Japan could end in isolated, relations with South Korea could get worse, and if Japan enters confrontational attitude with China, while the US enters Asia, it would be extremely challenging,” said Tetsuo Kotani, national security expert at Meikai University.
Her first main diplomatic test could come soon: former US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Japan at the Apec forum in South Korea at the end of this month.
Why is Japan now choosing a new leader?
Japanese political volatility has been building for more than two years. Fundraising scandal, including higher LDP members, rising consumer prices and stagnating yen disrupted public confidence in a party that has been almost continuous since 1955.
Last year, Fumio Kishida resigned from a low rating evaluation. His successor, Shiger of Ishiba, tried to restore confidence, but failed to stop electoral losses and culminated in the first minority status of LDP in both houses of parliament.
Although the opposition parties could technically unite as the only candidate, no such character appeared-the pontenance of Takaichi’s clear leader for the premiere when the parliament convened on October 14.
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New era – but how different?
Takaichi’s victory is historical, but its ideology reflects the conservative continuity of Japan more than a social breakthrough. They inherit the fragile economy, anxiety voters and the changing geopolitical landscape. Whether its leadership stabilizes Japan – or moves it further to nationalist avert – it remains a question.
As she told supporters after her victory:
“Rather than I feel happy, I really feel that real work begins now.”
(Tagstotranslate) Takichi
