Sanae Takaichi: What leadership of Japan’s First Female PM means for country’s future

Video Description

Japan is set to witness a historic first. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has chosen Sanae Takaichi as its leader, putting her on track to become the country’s first female prime minister when the Diet votes on 15 October. A veteran politician and protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi blends continuity with change. She promises a revival of Abenomics through fiscal stimulus and deregulation, despite Japan’s record debt and slow growth. Markets are watching closely to see if she can deliver stability or risk fiscal strain. Socially, she is deeply conservative—opposing immigration reform, gender equality measures, and LGBTQ rights. This makes her rise paradoxical: a historic moment for representation, but without progressive reforms. On foreign policy, Takaichi is hawkish, favoring stronger defense and a tougher line on China. For India, her leadership signals continuity of Abe’s strategic vision, strengthening Indo-Pacific cooperation. Her greatest challenge will be rebuilding trust in the LDP while navigating Japan’s economic and demographic decline. Watch this explainer by Dr. Swasti Rao, Consulting Editor for International and Strategic Affairs at ThePrint. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exclusive content, special privileges & more – Subscribe to ThePrint for Special benefits: https://theprint.in/subscribe/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with ThePrint » Subscribe to ThePrint: https://theprint.in/subscribe/ » Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3nCMpht » Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theprintindia » Tweet us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theprintindia » Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprintindia » Find us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/theprint » Subscribe to ThePrint on Telegram: https://t.me/ThePrintIndia » Find us on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2NMVlnB » Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3pEOta8