Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the new leader of Japan's ruling conservative party, making her the first woman in this role and positioning her to potentially become Japan's first female prime minister.
Takaichi, a prominent political figure and former government minister, comes with a strong conservative background, emphasizing traditional values and fiscal discipline. However, she has generated controversy over her stances on women's rights, including opposition to legislation that allows women to keep their maiden names after marriage and her anti-same-sex marriage stance.
As she steps into this critical leadership role, Takaichi faces complex challenges including a sluggish economy afflicted by stagnant wages and relentless inflation, as well as the need to mend the rocky US-Japan relationship while navigating a tariff deal initiated by her predecessor.
Last month, her predecessor, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, announced his resignation following a series of electoral defeats, leaving Takaichi with the task of uniting a party that has experienced significant turmoil and internal conflict.
Analysts suggest that while Takaichi may bolster support from the right-wing voters of the LDP, this could come at the cost of broader appeal to the electorate ahead of future national elections. Her political ideology echoes that of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, focusing on a return to his economic vision of high-spending and low borrowing rates.
Takaichi's conservative approach will likely include hawkish security policies and attempts to revise Japan's pacifist constitution. Despite her ambitions, many female voters remain skeptical of her commitment to women's progress, viewing her political ambitions more as a reflection of traditional conservatism rather than a true advancement for women's rights in Japan.
