Sanae Takaichi Becomes First Female Leader of Japan’s LDP

Sanae Takaichi made history on March 2, 2024, by becoming the first female president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). At the party’s headquarters in Tokyo, she expressed her vision for a “new era” for the LDP, emphasizing unity and progress within the party.

As the newly elected head, Takaichi is expected to ascend to the role of Japan’s first female prime minister, pending parliamentary confirmation, which analysts consider highly likely. The election saw her triumph over notable contenders, including Shinjiro Koizumi, a younger candidate symbolizing generational change, and seasoned politician Yoshimasa Hayashi. Takaichi’s leadership marks a significant shift within a party long dominated by male leaders.

Challenges Ahead for the LDP

The LDP has faced declining voter support due to rising inflation and a recent scandal involving slush funds. In this context, Takaichi’s leadership is seen as a strategic move to regain lost ground, especially with the increasing popularity of the anti-immigration Sanseito party. To address these voter concerns, Takaichi has adopted a stringent stance on immigration and foreign tourism, which emerged as critical issues during the leadership race.

Previously serving as Japan’s economic security minister, Takaichi has been a vocal critic of China’s military expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Her past visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals, have drawn criticism from several Asian nations. Notably, during her recent campaign, she moderated her rhetoric compared to her prior pledge to visit Yasukuni as prime minister, which had contributed to her defeat in the previous leadership election against outgoing premier Shigeru Ishiba.

A Conservative Approach

Takaichi, who once played drums in a college heavy metal band, draws inspiration from the late British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. While her election is viewed as a victory for women’s representation in politics, experts caution that her conservative views may not significantly alter Japan’s patriarchal political landscape. According to Sadafumi Kawato, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, Takaichi’s policies align with the right wing of the LDP, particularly concerning gender issues, including her opposition to revising a 19th-century law mandating that married couples share the same surname.

Despite these challenges, Takaichi has committed to improving gender balance within her cabinet, aiming for “Nordic” levels of representation. Japan ranked 118th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Gender Gap Report, highlighting the ongoing struggle for women’s representation in government.

Economic Policies and Voter Outreach

Within the LDP, Takaichi enjoys substantial support from the conservative faction and followers of the late prime minister Shinzo Abe. She advocates for aggressive monetary easing and significant fiscal spending, reminiscent of Abe’s “Abenomics” policies, which could potentially disrupt market stability if reimplemented. Additionally, she has voiced strong concerns regarding crime and the economic influence of foreigners, proposing stricter immigration rules to appeal to voters who have shifted their allegiance to nationalist parties.

In a recent panel discussion, Takaichi indicated her willingness to renegotiate tariffs with the United States if existing agreements are perceived as detrimental to Japan’s interests. As she embarks on this new leadership journey, her ability to navigate these complex issues will be crucial for both her administration and the future of the LDP.