Japan's ruling conservative party has elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, positioning the 64-year-old to be Japan's first female prime minister.
Takaichi, a former government minister and television host, represents a more conservative faction and is known for her controversial views. As she steps into this role, she faces significant challenges including a sluggish economy, enduring inflation, and stagnant wages.
Additionally, Takaichi must navigate a complex U.S.-Japan relationship and a tariff agreement established by the previous administration.
If confirmed as prime minister, she will need to unite a party still reeling from past scandals and election losses, after recent struggles saw the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lose its majority in parliament.
Experts suggest she may struggle to mend internal party divisions, particularly as she adheres to the right-wing values that some believe alienated voters during recent elections.
Although Takaichi admires historical figures like Margaret Thatcher, her record does not resonate positively with many women voters, who feel she does not advocate for progressive women’s rights. Her opposition to legislation supporting women keeping their maiden names post-marriage and her stance against same-sex marriage further distance her from potential female supporters.
Takaichi's leadership promises to herald a return to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic strategy, known as Abenomics, emphasizing high fiscal spending and accessible borrowing. She also aims to address security concerns by revising Japan's pacifist constitution and is known for her visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
While she is likely to be confirmed by parliament, the weakened position of the ruling party poses additional challenges to her governance.
