Alex TOKYO – Japan’s ruling party has secured a crucial coalition agreement that paves the way for Sanae Takaichi to become the nation’s first female prime minister, marking a breakthrough in Japanese politics while also casting a spotlight on deep-seated challenges ahead.
On October 19, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) reached a deal with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP/Ishin) to support Takai1chi’s candidacy in the parliamentary vote scheduled for Tuesday. While the arrangement falls short of a full majority, it provides the necessary backing to secure her election as prime minister.
A historic milestone, but high stakes
Takaichi’s ascent is historic: she is the first woman to head the LDP and, barring any last-minute upset, the first woman to become Japan’s prime minister. Her leadership signals a generational and symbolic shift in a country long criticised for lagging on gender equality.
But the victory is tempered by the political fragility of her upcoming government.witj the long -standing coalition between the LDP and its moderate junior partner . Komeito party collapsing over internal disputes,Takaichi inherits a weakened majority and a volatile landscape
Coalition building amid political turbulence
- The alliance with the Japan Innovation Party is strategic. The LDP and JIP now control 231 seats in the lower house and 120 in the upper house — enough to push Takaichi through but not enough for comfortable governance.
- The JIP will not immediately join the cabinet, but will support the government on key legislative matters. In exchange, the LDP has committed to several of JIP’s policy priorities, including reducing the number of parliamentary seats and exploring designation of Osaka as a “second capital”.
- Yet differences remain. The JIP favors a smaller state footprint and more fiscal discipline, while Takaichi has campaigned on increased spending and economic stimulus — creating tension between their approaches.
Policy priorities and domestic challenges
Takaichi brings a hawkish security stance, advocating for constitutional revision to reflect Japan’s evolving military role and deeper alignment with the United States. On the economic front, she has emphasised “crisis management investment” in strategic sectors such as AI, semiconductors and biotechnology.
However, she inherits a myriad of domestic challenges: lingering inflation, an aging and shrinking population, and public scepticism toward the LDP following a string of scandals and declining electoral support.
Foreign relations and regional dynamics
Takaichi’s foreign policy is likely to emphasise strength and assertiveness. Analysts warn her conservative record and past shrine visits — notably to Yasukuni Shrine, a site controversial in Japan’s relations with China and South Korea — may stir diplomatic tensions.
Her rise comes amid a volatile regional context: U.S.–China competition, North Korea’s nuclear provocations, and Japan’s desire to deepen its security role. Her choice of alliances and posture will be closely watched what lies ahead
Takaichi must first win the parliamentary vote on October 21 to formally become prime minister.once installed,she faces the immediate task of forming a stable cabinet , navigating a minority coalition and delivering tangible results to restore voter confidence .
Her government’s success may hinge on two factors: the ability to reconcile the diverging fiscal philosophies between the LDP and JIP, and the capacity to present a coherent strategy on immigration, social security and economic revitalisation in a country that needs large structural reforms.
Conclusion
Sanae Takaichi’s impending premiership stands at a crossroads of symbolism and substance. On one hand, she breaks a historic gender barrier. On the other , she steps into a rapidly changing political era marked by shifting coalitions, economic and strategic uncertainty.whether her leadership ushers in renewal or amplifies fragmentation will depend on her ability to deliver consensus, policy clarify and results in a challenging political environment
