World

Takaichi’s Triumph: How Japan’s New Leader Could Reshape Alliances and Policies

Sanae Takaichi won Japan‘s LDP leadership, potentially becoming the first female PM. Reactions varied internationally.

October 4, 2025, 4:47 PM

Aerial view of Tokyo cityscape featuring Tokyo Tower amidst dense buildings

An aerial view showcases the sprawling cityscape of Tokyo, with the iconic Tokyo Tower prominently featured amidst a dense collection of modern buildings and urban infrastructure. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Sanae Takaichi secured the leadership of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, positioning her to become the nation’s first female prime minister.

Takaichi’s conservative nationalist stance and expansionary agenda are expected to significantly shape Japan’s domestic and international policies.

International reactions include congratulations from Taiwan, the U.S., and Israel, while China urged Japan to adhere to political commitments on issues like history and Taiwan.

The Story So Far

Sanae Takaichi, a conservative nationalist, has secured the leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become the nation’s first female prime minister given the LDP’s parliamentary majority. Her ascendance marks a significant moment for Japan’s political landscape, as her conservative stance and expansionary agenda are expected to shape both domestic and international policies, thus drawing keen attention and varied reactions from key regional and global partners, particularly concerning issues like Taiwan and historical relations with China.

Why This Matters

Sanae Takaichi’s historic rise as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, marked by her conservative nationalist and expansionary agenda, is set to usher in a new political era, potentially deepening alliances with partners like Taiwan, the U.S., and Israel while simultaneously leading to a more assertive posture towards China on critical issues such as history and Taiwan.

Who Thinks What?

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te views Sanae Takaichi as a “steadfast friend” and hopes her leadership will deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Japan across various sectors.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes Japan will adhere to the principles and consensus outlined in existing political documents, honor its commitments on history and Taiwan, and pursue a “positive and rational policy” toward China.

The United States and Israel, through their Ambassadors, congratulated Takaichi and expressed anticipation and confidence that bilateral ties and cooperation with Japan will strengthen under her leadership.

Sanae Takaichi, a conservative nationalist and former economic security minister, secured the leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday, October 4, positioning her to become the nation’s first female prime minister. Her victory is expected to lead to her replacing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as the LDP holds the largest bloc in parliament.

International Reactions to Takaichi’s Leadership

Taiwan

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te extended congratulations to President Takaichi, describing her as a “steadfast friend of Taiwan.” President Lai expressed hope that Takaichi’s leadership would deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Japan across economic trade, security, and technological cooperation, advancing bilateral relations to a new stage.

China

In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the election result as an internal Japanese affair. The Ministry articulated a hope that Japan would adhere to the principles and consensus outlined in the four China-Japan political documents. It further urged Japan to honor its political commitments on significant issues, including history and Taiwan, and to pursue a “positive and rational policy” toward China to comprehensively promote a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.

United States

U.S. Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, congratulated Takaichi on becoming the LDP’s 29th president and its first female leader. Ambassador Glass stated his anticipation of working with her to strengthen and expand the partnership between the two nations on all fronts.

Israel

Israel’s Ambassador to Japan, Gilad Cohen, also offered congratulations to Sanae Takaichi. Ambassador Cohen conveyed confidence that under her leadership, the ties between Israel and Japan will continue to grow stronger, expressing eagerness for fruitful and successful cooperation.

Outlook on Japan’s Future Leadership

Takaichi’s ascendance marks a significant moment for Japan’s political landscape, potentially ushering in a new era of leadership. Her conservative stance and expansionary agenda are poised to shape Japan’s domestic and international policies, drawing keen attention from key regional and global partners.