Sanae Takaichi made history on Tuesday as Japan’s first female prime minister, a landmark achievement in a nation that has long struggled with gender equality, particularly in political spheres. However, her tenure will begin amid significant challenges, leaving little time for celebration.
Takaichi has publicly pledged to create a cabinet that reflects “Nordic” levels of female representation, yet she faces immediate hurdles as Japan’s fifth prime minister in the last five years. The need to revitalize the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), with the backing of an inexperienced junior coalition partner, looms large.
Takaichi’s domestic agenda includes addressing a pressing cost-of-living crisis and rising concerns about migration, which many believe is essential for countering Japan’s impending demographic challenges. Her diplomatic acumen is set to be tested with the upcoming visit from Donald Trump, followed closely by her international debut at the Apec summit in South Korea.
Upon taking the LDP presidency earlier this month, Takaichi inherited a fractured party still grappling with the fallout from a long-standing funding controversy. After nearly 70 years of consistent rule, the LDP’s influence in parliament has significantly waned. Despite internal pressure for reform, the dynamics within the party appear more about a struggle for power between its conservative and liberal factions rather than a transformative shift in Japanese politics.
With the LDP’s traditional coalition partner, Komeito, no longer supporting her, Takaichi had to forge alliances with smaller factions for her election. The partnership with the Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party), announced just before the crucial parliamentary vote, has been characterized as a strategic union, focusing on conservative policies such as increased defense spending and potential constitutional reforms. Nonetheless, this alliance could face challenges, particularly concerning differing economic policies that may disrupt their unity.
Reports indicate that Takaichi’s LDP allies may resist some of Nippon Ishin’s demands, including a proposed cut to lower house seats and a temporary suspension of the consumption tax on food. Takaichi’s established reputation as a staunch conservative is countered by her more pragmatic approach observed during her election bid, as she consciously avoided controversial constructs that might antagonize neighboring countries, such as discussions on constitutional reform and attending the contentious Yasukuni shrine festival.
At 64, Takaichi is poised to quickly form her cabinet, with Satsuki Katayama expected to become Japan’s first female finance minister alongside Takaichi’s rivals from the LDP leadership race, Toshimitsu Motegi and Shinjiro Koizumi, likely appointed as foreign and defense ministers, respectively. However, even with these appointments, the LDP and Nippon Ishin do not hold a clear majority, compelling Takaichi to seek cooperation from non-coalition members for legislative support, which could further complicate her leadership.
Political analysts suggest this could mark a pivotal shift in Japanese politics, with discussions indicating the end of LDP dominance and a move towards multiparty governance. Yet, experts warn that Takaichi’s coalition may limit her ability to enact substantial reforms, which has raised concerns about her capacity to navigate the complexities of her new role effectively.