Tokyo, Japan – October 17, 2025:
Japan’s political landscape is witnessing a historic moment as Sanae Takaichi, the newly appointed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader, edges closer to becoming the nation’s first female prime minister. However, in a move reflecting both political caution and diplomatic awareness, Takaichi refrained from visiting Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Friday — a decision seen as strategic amid tense regional relations and ongoing coalition negotiations.
A Cautious Step Amid Rising Political Prospects
Takaichi, who assumed leadership of the ruling LDP on October 4, sent a ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including convicted war criminals. The shrine remains one of the most contentious symbols of Japan’s wartime legacy.
While past prime ministers’ visits to Yasukuni have drawn sharp rebukes from China and South Korea, Takaichi opted to stay away during the shrine’s autumn festival, signaling a desire to avoid diplomatic confrontation as her chances of becoming prime minister increase.
Japanese media reported that her decision was aimed at not upsetting neighboring countries at a delicate moment in Japan’s domestic politics.
“We hope Japan will confront and reflect on its history of aggression,” said China’s Foreign Ministry in a statement, urging Tokyo to “exercise caution in its actions regarding the Yasukuni Shrine.”
Coalition Collapse and a New Political Alliance
Takaichi’s path to the prime minister’s office initially appeared derailed when the LDP’s coalition with the Komeito Party — its ally of 26 years — collapsed on October 10. Komeito cited the LDP’s failure to enact tougher party funding reforms after a slush fund scandal involving millions of yen in unreported payments.
Despite this setback, the LDP has quickly shifted gears. Party officials confirmed this week that discussions are underway to form a new coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), led by Fumitake Fujita.
“We’ve made significant progress in our discussions with the LDP,” Fujita said on Friday. “We are now finalizing policy wordings and interpretations to ensure alignment.”
If the alliance materializes, the LDP-JIP coalition would still fall two seats short of a majority, but analysts believe the partnership would guarantee Takaichi’s election in a parliamentary runoff vote expected on Tuesday.
Takaichi’s Conservative Credentials and Global Implications
At 64 years old, Sanae Takaichi is widely recognized as a staunch conservative and China skeptic aligned with Japan’s right wing. A protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she has built her political career on advocating for strong national defense, constitutional reform, and a firm stance toward Beijing.
Her reputation as a defense hawk has made her a favorite among conservative voters, yet some analysts warn that her leadership could alienate moderate supporters.
“Takaichi’s premiership could polarize the electorate,” said Mikitaka Masuyama, a political science professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. “While she may regain conservatives who left the LDP, broader public approval may remain limited.”
Takaichi’s potential rise to power also carries international significance, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit Japan at the end of October. The two leaders are expected to discuss key issues, including:
- Unresolved U.S.–Japan trade negotiations
- Japan’s reliance on Russian energy imports
- Tokyo’s defense spending commitments amid rising regional tensions
A Test of Diplomacy and Leadership
By skipping the Yasukuni visit, Takaichi appears to be balancing nationalism with diplomacy, demonstrating an understanding that her future leadership will be judged not only domestically but also internationally.
Observers note that avoiding the shrine visit could help ease relations with China and South Korea, both of which have long criticized Japan’s handling of its wartime history.
Meanwhile, political analysts say that while the LDP’s popularity has waned due to corruption scandals, Takaichi’s disciplined and ideological clarity might restore conservative unity within the party.
Japan Awaits a Historic Vote
If Takaichi secures parliamentary backing next week, she will make history as Japan’s first woman prime minister, a milestone decades in the making for a nation where political leadership has long been male-dominated.
Despite uncertainty over how her administration might shape foreign policy, economic reforms, and gender equality, many see her potential premiership as a turning point in Japanese politics.
“If the LDP and JIP finalize their coalition, Takaichi’s path to leadership is virtually guaranteed,” Masuyama noted. “But sustaining power and public trust will be her real challenge.”
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