Hardline nationalist set to be Japan's first female PM

Hardline nationalist Sanae Takaichi has won the leadership election for Japan's ruling party, paving the way for the country to get its first female prime minister – and shifting the ideological stance of its government dramatically towards the right.

- NAMITA SINGH

Ms Takaichi, 64, is set to succeed prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, as their LDP party remains the largest in parliament. But with recent elections seeing the LDP-led coalition losing its majority in both chambers of parliament, she will need support from opposition parties to govern smoothly.

Yesterday’s LDP leadership contest was a five-way race, but Ms Takaichi, who has repeatedly referred to Margaret Thatcher as a source of inspiration, and the more moderate political scion Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, were always seen as favourites. They emerged as the top two candidates before Ms Takaichi secured victory in a runoff vote.

Ms Takaichi now faces the task of winning back trust from a public angered by rising prices and corruption scandals, and drawn to opposition groups promising big stimulus and clampdowns on foreigners.

Though her campaign did not focus overwhelmingly on her gender, Ms Takaichi noted in her victory speech that she had “made history for the LDP”, thanking those who supported and voted for her. “Right now, instead of savouring joy, I’m overwhelmed by what’s ahead, a mountain of challenges that I have to tackle with help from all of you,” she said.

“We must make our party one that is more energetic and cheerful so that we can change the people’s worries into hope,” Ms Takaichi added, calling for cooperation from LDP lawmakers. “Otherwise, we can’t rebuild our party.” Parliament is expected to convene on 15 October to formally elect the next prime minister.

A former economic security and interior minister, Ms Takaichi has repeatedly referred to the late British prime minister Margaret Thatcher as her inspiration, citing her strong character and convictions coupled with her “womanly warmth”. She said she met “the Iron Lady” at a symposium shortly before Thatcher’s death in 2013.