Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi was elected the first female president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday, defeating Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff vote. She secured 185 votes to Koizumi’s 156, paving the way for her to become Japan’s first female prime minister in the upcoming parliamentary session.
In her victory speech, Takaichi vowed to “work and work and work” to rebuild the divided party and lead a minority coalition government, while Koizumi urged unity under her leadership.
Takaichi, a 64-year-old lawmaker from Nara and longtime protégé of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has over three decades in politics and a record of service in several key portfolios, including Internal Affairs and Economic Security. Known for her conservative stance, she has recently sought to project a more moderate image to broaden her appeal within the party.
Her immediate challenges include forming the LDP executive team, expanding the ruling coalition, and navigating foreign relations, particularly a potential meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump later this month.
If elected by parliament in mid-October, Takaichi will serve the remainder of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s term through September 2027, marking a historic milestone for Japanese politics.
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