Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s Prime Minister last October after being elected as head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the country’s long-governing conservative party. Following a snap election called last month, she secured a supermajority in Japan’s lower house of parliament on Sunday, granting her considerable power to increase spending on both the military and domestic programs, adopt a firmer stance against China, and implement more restrictive immigration policies. Takaichi is Japan’s first female Prime Minister, and, like Margaret Thatcher, whom she frequently invokes, she leads a political system largely dominated by men.
The scale of the L.D.P.’s victory is unprecedented in postwar Japanese politics. The win is particularly notable given the parity that has existed between the L.D.P. And opposition parties for the past thirty years. Although Junichiro Koizumi led the L.D.P. To a significant victory in 2005, Takaichi’s win was even larger.
According to Andrew Gordon, a professor of modern Japanese history at Harvard, Takaichi’s success appears to be driven by a surge in the Prime Minister’s personal popularity, which is unusual in Japanese politics. Historically, Japanese politics has not been heavily influenced by personality, with many Prime Ministers and party leaders lacking significant charisma. The 2005 election led by Koizumi is the closest comparison, as his persona also played a key role.
The rise of right-wing nationalism globally is also a factor in Takaichi’s success. The success of the far-right Sanseito Party in last summer’s House of Councillors election, fueled by xenophobic and anti-immigrant sentiment, likely prompted the L.D.P. To adopt similar positions. The L.D.P. Has a history of shifting policies to align with changing voter sentiment.
Economic concerns, particularly inflation, also played a role in the election. Voters appeared willing to give Takaichi a chance despite the lack of clear solutions to the economic challenges facing the country.
Takaichi’s willingness to take a hawkish stance toward China is another notable aspect of her leadership. Last year, she stated that Japan would act in defense of Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack, a publicly stated position that provoked a strong response from China. She could have signaled to China through a back channel, but chose to build the statement publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this election feel significant in the context of postwar Japanese politics?
The scale of the L.D.P. Victory is unprecedented since the Second World War, marking the first time a party has secured a supermajority on its own.
Is Takaichi’s success linked to global political trends?
There is a connection to the rise of right-wing nationalism around the world, and the L.D.P. Appears to be attempting to co-opt support from the far-right.
What is Japan’s position on Taiwan?
Sanae Takaichi stated that the Japanese government would act in defense of Taiwan in the case of a Chinese attack, a statement that provoked a response from China.
As Takaichi begins her term with a significant mandate, will she be able to navigate the complex interplay of domestic economic pressures, regional security concerns, and global political shifts?
