'Tis the season for conservatism, with anti-immigration sentiment on the rise globally, and Japan is no exception. Sanae Takaichi is poised to become the island nation’s first woman Prime Minister, gaining attention for her firm stance on immigration, China’s military expansion in the Pacific, and her push to revisit a contentious post-World War II article that barred Japan from engaging in future wars. Analysts suggest her approach is aimed at reclaiming voters who shifted to the nationalist Sanseito party, which has gained traction with anti-immigration messaging. Her positions on immigration and crime are central to her political identity.
The 64-year-old leader, driven by a nation-first philosophy, has indicated she is willing to challenge the United States if she believes an ongoing trade deal is harmful or unfair to Japan. On Saturday, she won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership election. Once a drummer in a college heavy metal band with pink hair and a love for motorcycles, Takaichi abandoned her racing hobby when she entered politics.
She cites the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady,” as her political hero and is a follower of the assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, enjoying strong support among conservative LDP members. Her rise is closely tied to her connection with Abe, who appointed her to key party positions during his tenure.
Economically, Takaichi supports monetary easing and increased fiscal spending, continuing the “Abenomics” policies of her late mentor. Her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals, have drawn attention from neighbouring countries. During the latest LDP leadership race, she softened her rhetoric compared to previous years, presenting herself as a “moderate conservative” to broaden her appeal.
Her leadership comes at a challenging time for the LDP, which faces voter dissatisfaction over inflation and recent scandals. Takaichi’s tough positions aim to address economic security, crime, and foreign influence, reinforcing her image as a hardline leader. While her election is a milestone for gender representation, analysts note she is not a feminist candidate.
According to Sadafumi Kawato, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, her election “would be a step forward for women’s participation in politics,” but she has shown little willingness to challenge existing patriarchal norms. Takaichi opposes changes to a 19th-century law requiring married couples to share the same surname, a rule that mostly affects women, and this issue “probably won’t be resolved during her term.”
However, she has pledged to improve gender balance in her cabinet to “Nordic” levels, referencing the higher representation of women in countries like Iceland, Finland, and Norway, even as Japan continues to rank low globally in women’s representation in government.
