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After two failed attempts, Sanae Takaichi has finally realized her long-held ambition to lead Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) — and with it, to stand on the brink of history. On October 4, 2025, coinciding with the LDP’s 70th anniversary, the 64-year-old politician was elected party leader, putting her on course to become Japan’s first female prime minister once parliament confirms her appointment on October 15.
A former government minister and television host, Takaichi’s path to power has been anything but conventional. Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961 to a police officer mother and an office worker father, she grew up far removed from politics. In her youth, she was known more for her passion for heavy metal music than political debate — once a drummer famous for breaking her drumsticks mid-performance. Her love for cars also stood out, with her beloved Toyota Supra now on display at a museum in her hometown of Nara.
Before entering politics, Takaichi briefly worked as a TV host. Her political awakening came during the turbulent 1980s, when US-Japan trade tensions were at their peak. Determined to understand how Japan was perceived abroad, she spent time in Washington D.C. working for Democrat Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder, a critic of Japan’s trade practices. There, she witnessed firsthand how Americans often conflated Japanese, Chinese, and Korean identities — an experience that shaped her belief in Japan’s need for stronger self-reliance and national defense.
Takaichi’s first attempt at parliamentary politics came in 1992, running as an independent — she lost. But she persisted, winning the following year and joining the LDP in 1996. Over the next three decades, she was elected to parliament ten times, losing only once, and built a reputation as one of the LDP’s most outspoken conservatives. She went on to serve in several high-profile roles, including minister for economic security, state minister for trade and industry, and a record-setting tenure as minister for internal affairs and communications.
Her relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe proved pivotal. As one of his protégés, Takaichi was a key supporter of his “Abenomics” program — a mix of monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structural reforms designed to revive Japan’s economy. Her conservative credentials were further reinforced by her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals. She has also long advocated for revising Japan’s pacifist constitution to allow its Self-Defence Forces greater military freedom.
Despite her hardline image, Takaichi has shown signs of moderation. During her recent campaign, she pledged tax deductions for babysitter services and corporate incentives for companies offering in-house childcare. Drawing on her personal experiences caring for family members, she vowed to expand women’s health services and create a society where no one is forced to quit their jobs for caregiving or child-rearing responsibilities.
Her victory comes at a turbulent time for the LDP. Once Japan’s political powerhouse, the party has seen its dominance wane amid economic stagnation, demographic decline, and public frustration with corruption scandals. Recently, the far-right Sanseito party has gained traction, siphoning conservative votes from the LDP with its nationalist “Japanese First” message.
Acknowledging this in her victory speech, Takaichi said, “We have received particularly harsh criticism from our core supporters — conservatives and party members. The LDP must change for the sake of Japan’s present and future. We will always put the national interest first and manage the country with a sense of balance.”
If confirmed, Sanae Takaichi will not only become Japan’s first female prime minister but also one of its most ideologically distinctive leaders in recent decades — a self-described “Iron Lady” in the mold of Margaret Thatcher, determined to steer Japan through one of its most challenging chapters.
