Post by : Rameen Ariff

Tokyo: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has chosen former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, putting her on track to become the country’s first female prime minister. At 64, Takaichi faces the urgent task of strengthening her party’s position after consecutive election defeats and restoring public trust by tackling key issues such as rising inflation and foreign policy challenges.

A close ally of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is known for her conservative views, including support for revising Japan’s wartime history and frequent visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. These positions have strained ties with neighboring countries like China and South Korea and are now putting her long-standing coalition with the centrist Komeito party at risk.

Despite setbacks, the LDP remains the largest party in Japan’s lower house of parliament, which decides the prime minister, giving Takaichi a strong chance of officially taking the top position when parliament meets later this month. However, she must carefully balance her ideology with the need to maintain coalitions and seek cooperation from opposition groups to keep her party in power.

Takaichi also faces an important diplomatic test as she prepares to host U.S. President Donald Trump during his planned Asia visit. Trump congratulated her on social media, praising her as Japan’s “first female Prime Minister” and a leader of “wisdom and strength.” Takaichi responded by reaffirming her commitment to strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and promoting a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

In her first press conference as LDP leader, Takaichi promised to prioritize Japan’s security, diplomacy, and regional cooperation with allies like South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines. She also vowed to honor existing trade and investment agreements signed under outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Her immediate challenge lies in keeping her party’s coalition intact. Komeito has expressed “serious concern” over her conservative stance and hinted at leaving the partnership if she does not soften her positions. Political observers say losing Komeito could weaken the LDP’s influence unless Takaichi builds new alliances with opposition parties such as the Democratic Party for the People or the Japan Innovation Party.

Takaichi has begun rewarding allies who supported her leadership bid, assigning key party posts to members close to former Prime Minister Taro Aso, a powerful figure in the LDP. She is also considering naming experienced politicians like Toshimitsu Motegi as foreign minister, though her decision to potentially promote lawmakers linked to past scandals has drawn public criticism.

As Takaichi prepares to lead, her success will depend on how she balances domestic reforms, party unity, and international diplomacy—while making history as Japan’s first woman prime minister.

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