LDP selects Takaichi as New Leader Amidst Challenges
Sanae Takaichi has been elected president of Japan‘s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), succeeding in a vote involving 295 LDP parliamentarians and approximately one million party members – representing roughly 1% of the Japanese electorate. Takaichi acknowledged the important challenges ahead, stating she felt “overwhelmed” rather than joyful, and emphasized the need for collective effort to address them. She called for the LDP to become “more energetic and cheerful” to restore public confidence.
The LDP faces a critical juncture, having recently lost its majority in both houses of parliament. The party needs to regain voter trust and address both domestic and international issues. Takaichi will also require cooperation from opposition parties to effectively implement her policies.
Outgoing contender Shigeru Ishiba, who previously served as party president for one year and secured a 15% tariff agreement with the United States while improving relations with South Korea and other Asian nations, expressed hope that the LDP woudl unite under Takaichi’s leadership. Ishiba’s previous tenure was cut short,reportedly due to pressure from the party’s ultra-conservative faction.
The leadership contest featured five candidates, including current and former ministers. A parliamentary vote to confirm the new president is scheduled for mid-october.The LDP is under pressure to resolve the leadership question quickly, as the new president will soon face a potential diplomatic challenge: a possible summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Reports indicate a meeting may occur in late October, coinciding with Trump’s attendance at the asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. Concerns exist that Trump may demand increased defense spending from Japan.
The selection of Takaichi, rather than the more centrist Shinjirō Koizumi, is seen by some as an attempt to appeal to conservative voters who previously supported far-right groups like Sanseito in the recent parliamentary election. However, the LDP also recognizes the need to broaden its support base and is likely to seek expanded cooperation with centrist parties, including its current coalition partner, Komeito, and potentially other opposition groups.
During the campaign, Takaichi, like other candidates, presented herself as a “moderate conservative” and largely avoided emphasizing her traditionally conservative and anti-China views, signaling a willingness to collaborate with the opposition. Her policy platform includes increased fiscal spending for economic growth, strengthening the military and cybersecurity, and implementing stricter regulations regarding foreign tourism and labor. She faced criticism during the campaign for citing unverified reports regarding incidents involving foreign tourists in Nara and for comments about foreign law offenders.
Analysts noted that candidates generally avoided discussing contentious issues such as ancient revisionism, same-sex marriage, and the party’s political funding scandal – a major factor in recent election losses – as well as anti-corruption measures. This avoidance has raised concerns about the LDP’s ability to rebuild public trust.
