TOKYO — October 19, 2025 — Japan is on the verge of making history as Sanae Takaichi, the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), appears set to become the country’s first female prime minister. According to multiple local media outlets, the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) — known as Ishin — are close to finalizing a coalition agreement that could pave the way for Takaichi’s formal election as prime minister as early as Tuesday.
Coalition Talks Put Takaichi Back on Track
The potential partnership between the conservative LDP and the right-leaning JIP follows weeks of political turmoil after the collapse of the LDP’s long-standing alliance with the Komeito Party, which had supported successive governments for 26 years.
The breakdown of that coalition had briefly derailed Takaichi’s historic leadership bid, despite her recent victory in the LDP’s internal election earlier this month. However, renewed talks with the JIP have revived her chances of taking office.
According to Kyodo News, both parties are expected to formalize the deal on Monday. The JIP is reportedly holding executive meetings in Osaka on Sunday and a plenary session of lawmakers on Monday to give final approval to the coalition pact.
“The LDP has entrusted Takaichi with handling the coalition matter, while the JIP will convene its leadership to finalize terms,” Kyodo reported.
Similarly, the Yomiuri Shimbun stated that Takaichi and JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura are “likely to sign a coalition agreement after talks on Monday,” solidifying their political alliance.
Japan Edges Closer to Historic Leadership Milestone
If approved, the LDP–JIP coalition would still be two seats short of an outright parliamentary majority but could likely secure victory in a second-round runoff vote for prime minister. In such a scenario, Takaichi would only need to garner more support from lawmakers than any other candidate — a margin she is widely expected to achieve.
This development places Japan on the threshold of a major political milestone: the appointment of its first-ever woman prime minister, breaking a long-standing glass ceiling in a country where political leadership has traditionally been male-dominated.
Takaichi, a seasoned conservative politician and long-time LDP lawmaker, has previously held several cabinet posts, including Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications. Known for her firm stance on national security and constitutional reform, she has built a reputation as a strong, disciplined leader within Japan’s conservative circles.
Political Context and Global Implications
The timing of Japan’s political reshuffle is particularly significant, coinciding with an upcoming visit from U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo later this week before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea.
Analysts suggest that a stable government led by Takaichi could strengthen Japan’s position in regional diplomacy and reaffirm its alliance with the United States amid increasing geopolitical tensions in East Asia.
If confirmed, Takaichi’s appointment will mark a symbolic and substantive shift in Japanese politics — representing progress in gender representation while reinforcing conservative governance at a time of growing international uncertainty.
What’s Next
The formal parliamentary vote to elect Japan’s next prime minister is expected within the next few days. Should Takaichi secure the required majority, she would succeed Fumio Kishida, becoming Japan’s first woman prime minister and one of the most influential female leaders in Asia.
Her expected premiership will likely focus on economic revitalization, national security, and constitutional reform — three pillars that have defined her political vision throughout her career.
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