Japan is on the verge of making history, as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected Sanae Takaichi as its leader, making her poised to become the country’s first female prime minister.
This moment carries both symbolic weight and practical challenge in a nation long dominated by male leadership and deeply entrenched political structures.
We will examine how this transition is unfolding, what it means for Japan’s politics and gender dynamics, and the obstacles awaiting Takaichi if she is confirmed.
From Party Victory to National Leadership
On October 4, 2025, Sanae Takaichi won the leadership race of the LDP in a runoff vote, defeating former Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. In the first round she had already led the field with about 31 percent support among party members and lawmakers.
Her victory gives her the key role within the party apparatus, and under Japan’s political norms, the LDP leader is typically nominated as prime minister by the Diet (parliament).
However, the path ahead is not automatic. The LDP, once dominant in both houses of the Diet, now faces electoral setbacks and holds no absolute majority on its own.
To be formally confirmed, Takaichi must secure the support of coalition partners and, possibly, cooperation from opposition parties. The parliamentary vote is expected in mid‑October.
A New Chapter in Japan’s Gender Politics
That a woman might finally sit in Japan’s top political seat is historic given the country’s record in gender equality.
In the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index, Japan ranked 118th out of 148 economies and among the lowest in the G7, largely because of severe underrepresentation of women in politics. For decades, Japan has struggled to break through the “glass ceiling” in public office.
Yet Takaichi’s rise does not necessarily portend sweeping reforms in the gender policy in her country.
While she has pledged to raise the proportion of women in her cabinet, going so far as to aim for “Nordic levels” of female representation, critics warn that it could amount more to symbolic gestures than structural change.
Indeed, she has opposed measures such as allowing married couples to retain separate surnames and has resisted reforms tied to female imperial succession.
Some observers caution that elevating a woman to leadership in a moment of political crisis fits the pattern of the “glass cliff”, placing women in precarious roles when failure is likely.
Still, even a symbolic crack in the male monopoly of power could inspire more women to enter politics and shift public expectations over the long term.
Policy Agenda
Takaichi is known as a conservative and a protégé of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Her policy outlook emphasizes fiscal stimulus, tax relief, and strategic investment, especially under a framework she calls “crisis management investment,” supporting fields like AI, semiconductors, and defense.
At the same time, she stresses the importance of maintaining fiscal sustainability. On foreign affairs, she favors a more assertive posture, stronger alliances with the U.S., support for Taiwan, and a tougher stance on China.
In social and cultural fields, she holds conservative views: she opposes same‑sex marriage, resists changes to traditional naming conventions for married couples, and has strong nationalist credentials (including visits to the Yasukuni Shrine).
These stances which are considered outdated by some voters may complicate her public appeal, especially among younger and centrist voters.
Challenges for Takaichi
Assuming she is confirmed, Takaichi would face multiple interlocking challenges. Rebuilding unity within the LDP, after recent losses and internal divisions, is essential.
She must also restore public confidence amid economic difficulties, rising living costs, and skepticism toward the ruling party. Legislative success will require bridging coalition tensions and negotiating with opposition lawmakers.
On the global stage, diplomatic relations with China and South Korea may be strained by her nationalist leanings, while managing the U.S.–Japan alliance and regional security pressures will demand deft balancing.
Preventing gender issues from being dismissed as mere optics is another significant trial. Even if her government achieves minimal progress on gender equality, her elevation may in itself refashion Japan’s political narrative.
A woman in the prime minister’s office could reshape what is considered possible, and perhaps open doors for future generations. But whether that potential translates into lasting structural change depends heavily on how she governs.
