Sanae Takaichi, a conservative nationalist and former internal affairs minister, is poised to become Japan’s first female prime minister after winning the leadership race of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday.
Her victory ensures she will replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as the LDP holds a parliamentary majority.
Who is she?
As per information available online, Sanae Takaichi, 64, is a staunchly conservative Japanese lawmaker who was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on October 4, 2025.
Takaichi is originally from Nara and has been active in politics since her college years. She is the first elected official of her family. She was first elected to Japan’s Parliament in 1993, initially as an independent before joining the LDP in 1996.
She graduated from Kobe University’s Faculty of Business Administration in March 1984. She was also a drummer in a heavy metal band while at the university.
She continued her studies at this institute, which is known for training future Japanese leaders. As part of her time there, she worked as a congressional fellow in the U.S. Congress, gaining firsthand experience in American politics.
Her career includes several senior government positions, such as Economic Security Minister from 2022 to 2024 and Minister for Internal Affairs.
Takaichi won the party’s leadership election after a runoff vote against former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Her win came after former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned amid falling support for the LDP.
She advocates for a fiscally expansionist economic strategy, similar to the “Abenomics” of her mentor. She supports aggressive government spending and investment in technology and infrastructure to stimulate growth.
She is known for her hawkish views on China and supports revising Japan’s pacifist constitution to strengthen its military. She has also suggested forming a “quasi-security alliance” with Taiwan and is open to renegotiating a recent trade deal with the U.S.
