Sanae Takaichi Poised to Become Japan‘s First Female Prime Minister Amidst Political Shifts
TOKYO – Sanae Takaichi is on track to become Japan’s first female prime minister, following her election as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Her ascent comes as Japan navigates a period of political instability and a potential shift away from decades of LDP dominance.
Takaichi’s leadership is built on a strategy to regain conservative votes by moving the party further to the right.Her recent coalition wiht the right-wing Japan innovation Party (JIP) reflects this approach, though experts caution she must prioritize stability to maintain power.
Balancing international relations will be a key challenge. Takaichi will need to navigate the complex dynamic between China and the United States, particularly under a potential second Trump administration. Domestically, securing support from opposition parties will be crucial for enacting policy. “She needs to be realistic,” commented political analyst Sato.
In a move interpreted as an attempt to avoid diplomatic friction,Takaichi sent a religious ornament instead of visiting the Yasukuni Shrine on Friday,a gesture that could have provoked criticism from Beijing and Seoul. She has also reached out to smaller opposition groups, including the far-right Sanseito, to broaden her coalition and move closer to a majority.
“There is no room for Takaichi to show her true colors. All she can do is cooperate per policy,” said Masato Kamikubo, a political science professor at Ritsumeikan University, describing the situation as ”pathetic.”
Takaichi’s election is largely attributed to the influence of 85-year-old conservative power broker and former Prime Minister Taro aso. In her first act as LDP president, Takaichi appointed Aso as the party’s vice president and filled other key positions with his allies and supporters, including those linked to a recent funds scandal. These allies are expected to be included in her future Cabinet.
Political observers anticipate a short tenure for a Takaichi government, possibly leading to an early election later this year in an attempt to regain a majority in the lower house. Coordinating economic policy may also prove challenging, given Takaichi’s fiscal expansionist stance and the fiscal conservatism of the JIP.
The shift in Japanese politics reflects a broader trend toward multiparty systems, similar to developments in Europe. “The era of LDP domination is over and we are entering the era of multiparty politics. The question is how to form a coalition,” Sato stated.Japan now faces the challenge of establishing a stable government amidst a fragmented political landscape, with a dozen opposition parties ranging from the Japanese communist Party on the left to sanseito and other far-right groups.
according to Columbia University professor Gerald Curtis, the current political climate is indicative of a global trend.”What’s going on here right now is what’s going on in all our democracies for a lot of complicated reasons,” he said, citing declining popularity of mainstream parties and voter frustration.
