According to the latest reports, former Japanese Minister of Economic Security Sanae Takaichi has resolved to run for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and plans to hold a press conference on the 19th to formally announce her candidacy. This news has instantly sent shockwaves through Japan’s political arena, adding significant uncertainty to the upcoming LDP leadership election.
Veteran Politician Returns to the Spotlight
At 64 years old, Takaichi is a seasoned politician with decades of experience in Japanese politics. She has been successfully elected to the House of Representatives multiple times, boasting an extensive political resume that includes five cabinet minister positions across key sectors such as economy, internal affairs, and economic security. Takagi holds distinctly clear political stances, notably her active advocacy for amending Article 9 of the Constitution. She studied at the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management early in her career and entered politics at the age of 32. Over time, her steadfast conservative stance has solidified her position within Japanese politics, establishing her as a formidable force within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). In the 2024 LDP presidential election, Takagi delivered a strong performance. Though ultimately unsuccessful, the campaign bolstered her popularity and political capital. Now, as she mounts another bid, she clearly approaches the race with unwavering determination, eager to rewrite history.
Election Landscape Shifts Rapidly
The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan has confirmed its presidential election will be held on October 4. So far, several key party figures besides Sanae Takaichi have announced their candidacies. Strong contenders include Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. According to the latest Kyodo News poll, among the candidates, Sanae Takaichi currently leads with 28% support, followed by Shinjiro Koizumi at 22.5% and Yoshimasa Hayashi at 11.4%. However, the election is still in its early stages, presenting a complex and highly uncertain landscape. The final allocation of regional votes and the voting intentions of supporters of incumbent LDP President Shigeru Ishiba will significantly impact the outcome. Candidates are expected to engage in intense debates on hot-button issues like curbing high prices and cooperation with opposition parties, intensifying the competitive landscape.
Policy Proposals Draw Attention
Sanae Takaichi has consistently advocated inheriting the political philosophy of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. On constitutional matters, she firmly supports amending the postwar pacifist constitution, aiming to abolish relevant clauses such as the “renunciation of war.” She plans to enshrine the renaming of the “Self-Defense Forces” to “National Defense Forces” in the constitution while vigorously calling for increased defense spending to enhance Japan’s national defense capabilities. In foreign affairs, she emphasizes strengthening cooperation with the United States and other so-called “like-minded nations,” striving to establish a new defense framework. Furthermore, on historical issues, Sanae Takaichi maintains a hardline stance, not only rejecting the Murayama Statement and the Kono Statement but also persistently visiting the Yasukuni Shrine. Should she prevail in the upcoming LDP leadership election, her policy agenda would profoundly shape Japan’s future domestic and foreign trajectories. This could not only deepen ideological divisions within Japan but also heighten vigilance among neighboring nations, introducing additional destabilizing factors into the regional landscape.
