The ruling conservative party of Japan has appointed Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, potentially making the 64-year-old the first minister.
Takaichi is one of the more conservative candidates aligned with the ruling party’s right wing. A former government minister, television personality, and enthusiastic heavy metal drummer, she is a prominent and contentious figure in Japanese politics.
She confronts several hurdles, including grappling with a slow economy and households enduring persistent inflation and stagnant earnings.
She must also manage a tumultuous US-Japan relationship and implement a tariff agreement established by the Trump administration, which was set in place by the preceding administration.
Upon confirmation as prime minister, Takaichi will face the significant issue of unifying the party following a tumultuous period marked by scandals and internal discord.
Last month, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose tenure exceeded one year, declared his resignation following a succession of electoral losses that resulted in the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) governing coalition losing its majority in both legislative chambers.
Professor Jeff Kingston, head of Asian Studies at Temple University in Tokyo, said to the media that Takaichi is unlikely to achieve significant success in reconciling the internal party division.
Takaichi is affiliated with the “hardline” section of the LDP, which contends that the decline in LDP popularity is attributable to a disconnection from its right-wing principles, he stated.
“I believe she is well-positioned to recapture right-wing voters, albeit at the cost of broader public appeal, should they enter a national election.”
Takaichi has long revered Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s inaugural female prime minister. She is now increasingly approaching the realisation of her Iron Lady aspiration.
However, numerous female voters do not perceive her as a proponent of advancement.
She refers to herself as Japan’s Margaret Thatcher. Regarding budgetary discipline, she is certainly not like Thatcher,” stated Prof Kingston.
“However, akin to Thatcher, she lacks significant healing qualities.” I believe she has not made a significant contribution to the empowerment of women.
Takaichi is a fervent conservative who has consistently opposed laws permitting women to retain their maiden names post-marriage, saying that it contravenes tradition. She opposes same-sex marriage.
Takaichi, a protégé of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has pledged to reinstate his economic blueprint, known as Abenomics, which is characterised by substantial public expenditure and low borrowing costs.
The seasoned LDP member advocates a strong security stance and seeks to amend Japan’s pacifist constitution.
She is also a frequent visitor to the contentious Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates Japan’s war dead, including those convicted war criminals.
Her confirmation by parliament is probable; nevertheless, it will not be automatic as with her predecessors, due to the ruling party’s significantly diminished position following its loss of majority in both chambers.
