<h3 data-start="201" data-end="286">Japan&rsquo;s Liberal Democratic Party elects Sanae Takaichi as first female leader</h3>
In a historic political shift, Japan&rsquo;s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday elected Sanae Takaichi as its first-ever female president &mdash; a development that positions her to become Japan&rsquo;s first female prime minister.
Takaichi, a former Economic Security Minister and a staunch conservative voice within the party, defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a decisive runoff, earning 185 votes to Koizumi&rsquo;s 156. This marked her third attempt at the top post.
The LDP, often described as Japan&rsquo;s right-wing and conservative powerhouse, has dominated the country&rsquo;s post-war politics for decades. It champions economic liberalism, strong national defence, and traditional values, while placing nationalism and constitutional reform high on its policy agenda. The party&rsquo;s ideological core has long been shaped by its affiliation with conservative circles, including members of the Nippon Kaigi, a group advocating patriotic education and revision of Japan&rsquo;s pacifist constitution.
While the LDP encompasses a wide range of views &mdash; from moderate conservatives to hardline nationalists &mdash; it remains unified by its focus on economic stability, fiscal discipline, and strategic autonomy in foreign affairs. The party&rsquo;s pragmatism has helped it retain power, even amid scandals and electoral setbacks.
Following a series of political controversies and waning voter confidence, Takaichi&rsquo;s leadership victory is seen as a reformist opportunity for the LDP to restore public trust.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m feeling how tough it&rsquo;s going to be from here on, rather than feeling happy,&rdquo; she said after her election. &ldquo;We won&rsquo;t be able to rebuild the party if I don&rsquo;t get everyone&rsquo;s help, from all generations. I will scrap my work-life balance and work and work and work and work and work.&rdquo;
At her first press conference as president, Takaichi hinted at possible coalition expansion, stressing that any new partner must align with the LDP&rsquo;s stance on constitutional revision, diplomacy, and fiscal policy.
&ldquo;Just like the LDP&ndash;Komeito coalition, we would need to firmly establish a policy agreement and move forward based on that,&rdquo; she said.
Takaichi also emphasised inclusivity within the party, pledging to involve all generations &mdash; including former rivals &mdash; in rebuilding the organisation&rsquo;s leadership. Key appointments are expected early next week.
Her victory reflects not only a symbolic milestone for gender representation but also the continuation of a nationalist-conservative legacy in Japanese politics.

Sanae Takaichi wins LDP leadership race, poised to be Japan’s first female PM

Japan’s right-wing LDP elects first female leader

Sanae Takaichi wins LDP leadership race, poised to be Japan’s first female PM

October 4, 2025 | 21:33 IST