Sanae Takaichi could become Japan’s first female or youngest modern-era PM

Japan may see its first female or youngest modern-era leader

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set for a pivotal vote on Saturday to select a new party president, who is likely to become the nation’s next prime minister. Five candidates are vying to replace Shigeru Ishiba, who is stepping down following electoral losses.

Front-runners Sanae Takaichi, 64, and Shinjiro Koizumi, 44, represent contrasting visions for the party and the country.

For the first time in modern Japanese history, the LDP could elect either its first female leader or its youngest prime minister. According to Reuters, Takaichi, a conservative nationalist, and Koizumi, a more moderate contender, lead the race.

Takaichi has pledged aggressive government spending and raised the possibility of revisiting the US-Japan investment deal that lowered tariffs under President Donald Trump.

“Koizumi and Takaichi offer two quite different approaches to that renewal," said Tina Burrett, a political science professor at Tokyo’s Sophia University. "Koizumi is seen as someone who could forge consensus with other parties while Takaichi would shake up ‘a world of rather grey politicians’."

Koizumi would become one of Japan’s youngest leaders since the 19th century if elected. Reuters reported that he leads among LDP lawmakers, while Takaichi is ahead among rank-and-file party members.

The leadership contest comes as the LDP faces a party in crisis and a sluggish economy. Takaichi promises to double the economy in a decade with heavy investment in technology, infrastructure, and food production. She has indicated she may renegotiate the trade deal with Trump if deemed unfair.

Koizumi and other contenders, including Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, favor tax cuts to ease household costs while maintaining Ishiba’s economic restraint.

Political analyst James Brown noted, “Domestically, they face the tall task of rejuvenating a party increasingly seen as out of touch with voters. There's every possibility that we'll be returning to this issue of yet another election for the leadership of the country before too long.”

(With agency inputs)