Sanae Takaichi reacts as she receives applause from lawmakers after winning the race for the Liberal Democratic Party leadership in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 4. A parliamentary vote expected to confirm her as prime minister is due later this month. (Photo by Shun Kato)

Japan's Takaichi faces fiscal policy tightrope in economy revival quest

If confirmed as prime minister, LDP leader also set for hectic debut on diplomatic stage

YUICHI NITTA

October 10, 2025 06:00 JST

Updated on October 10, 2025 16:42 JST

TOKYO -- On Saturday, Sanae Takaichi won a shock victory in the race to lead Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), echoing a surprise sprung 50 years ago in the U.K. by her political heroine, Margaret Thatcher.