Japan’s Ruling Party Elects Sanae Takaichi as New Leader, Likely to Become First Female Prime Minister

Story by MARI YAMAGUCHI

October 3, 2025 – TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s governing party on Saturday elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, a hard-line ultra-conservative and China hawk, as its new leader, making her likely to become the country’s first female prime minister.

In a country that ranks poorly internationally for gender equality, the 64-year-old Takaichi makes history as the first female leader of Japan’s long-governing conservative Liberal Democratic Party. Takaichi is one of the most conservative members of the male-dominated party.

An admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is a protege of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ‘s ultra-conservative vision and a regular at the Yasukuni Shrine, seen as a symbol of Japan’s wartime militarism, which could complicate Tokyo’s relations with its Asian neighbors.

She said she respects all tariffs and investment agreements struck between Tokyo and Washington under the Ishiba government.

Takaichi faces major domestic challenges

The LDP, whose consecutive losses in parliamentary elections in the past year have left it in the minority in both houses, needs its new leader to quickly bring back voter confidence and stability and to address challenges in and outside Japan. Takaichi will also need cooperation from key opposition groups to implement her party’s policies.

Ishiba, who achieved a 15% tariff deal with Washington and put Japan’s ties with South Korea and other Asian countries on track during his one-year stint, said “I hope the LDP will band together under new (party) president Takaichi to serve for the country and the people, as well as the world and for the new era.”

Ishiba, a centrist known as archrival of Abe, was virtually forced into resigning by ultra-conservative wings in the party……

WUNRN

Japan’s ruling party elects Sanae Takaichi as new leader, likely to become first female PM