**Sanae Takaichi Set to Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister**
*By Snehil Singh | October 4, 2025, 3:17 PM*
Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the new leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become the country’s first female prime minister pending a parliamentary vote. The 64-year-old right-wing politician won a tightly contested runoff election against moderate Shinjiro Koizumi, securing 185 votes to his 156.
This leadership change follows the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga after serving only one year in office.
**Political Outlook: Takaichi’s Ultra-Conservative Vision**
Known for her staunchly conservative views, Takaichi is a dedicated supporter of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s political vision. She has expressed admiration for Margaret Thatcher and advocates for a stronger military presence, increased fiscal spending, promotion of nuclear fusion technology, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and stricter immigration policies.
While Takaichi is committed to boosting female representation within the Tokyo cabinet, she opposes same-sex marriage and reforms allowing female succession to the imperial throne, maintaining traditional stances on these social issues.
**Party Dynamics and Significance of the Victory**
Takaichi’s win is a milestone in a nation where female politicians and business leaders remain scarce; women currently hold only about 15% of the seats in Japan’s lower house. Her election comes at a challenging time for the LDP, which has faced two difficult elections in the wake of a funding scandal and ongoing cost-of-living concerns.
Her immediate priorities will include uniting the party and regaining public trust following recent controversies.
**Controversial Stances on Gender Equality and Immigration**
Despite the historic nature of her victory, Takaichi’s views on gender equality have sparked debate. She opposes policies such as allowing women to become reigning empresses and enabling married couples to retain separate surnames.
On immigration, she has called for a reevaluation of current policies concerning cultural diversity and the integration of people from varied backgrounds. Furthermore, her hawkish foreign policy approach may create tensions with the LDP’s coalition partner, the Komeito party.
As Japan looks ahead, all eyes will be on Takaichi’s leadership and how she navigates these complex political and social challenges.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/sanae-takaichi-set-to-become-japan-s-first-female-pm/story
