Nationalist Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan‘s first female prime minister after winning the first round of the Liberal democratic Party (LDP) leadership election on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Takaichi, a conservative known for her right-wing views and close ties to the Unification Church, secured a run-off against vaccination minister Taro Kono. The winner of the September 29 vote will almost certainly become the next prime minister due to the LDP’s majority in the lower house of parliament.
Takaichi’s potential premiership marks a meaningful shift for Japan, a nation lagging behind other developed countries in female political depiction. Her victory comes as Japan grapples with an aging population, economic stagnation, and growing security concerns in the region. The outcome of the LDP leadership race will shape Japan’s economic policies, its approach to social issues, and its foreign policy direction, particularly regarding relations with China and the United States.
The first round saw Takaichi garner 86 votes, exceeding expectations and forcing a head-to-head contest with Kono, who received 65 votes. Former foreign minister Fumio Kishida was eliminated after securing 56 votes. The final vote, including ballots from LDP members and local party officials, is scheduled for September 29.
takaichi has campaigned on a platform of economic revitalization through deregulation and a revision of the pacifist constitution, a long-held goal of the LDP’s conservative wing. She has also expressed a desire to strengthen Japan’s defence capabilities and deepen its alliance with the United States.
“I want to create a Japan where women can shine,” Takaichi said during a recent campaign speech, emphasizing her commitment to addressing gender inequality. However, her ties to the Unification Church have drawn criticism from opponents and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
