Japan's New LDP Leader Takaichi Faces Diplomatic Security Challenges

Sanae Takaichi, newly elected president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and poised to become the country's first female prime minister, faces significant diplomatic and domestic challenges upon her expected assumption of office in mid-October. A key diplomatic test will be hosting U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Japan from October 27–29, where strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and discussing increased defense spending amid regional security concerns will be priorities. Despite limited diplomatic experience, Takaichi's strong interpersonal skills and her positioning as the successor to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had close ties with Trump, are seen as assets in navigating this relationship. Domestically, she must manage a minority government requiring cooperation from opposition parties to pass legislation, while addressing economic issues such as inflation and price hikes that affect Japanese citizens' livelihoods. Additionally, she aims to unify her party by assigning key cabinet and party posts, including to rivals, to stabilize her leadership. Experts highlight that Takaichi will need to balance diplomatic assertiveness, particularly toward China and South Korea, with efforts to build coalition support and implement practical fiscal policies to address Japan's economic challenges.