Sanae Takaichi's Victory and Japan's New Party System
Sanae Takaichi's presidency is a win for the LDP right, but as prime minister she would be hostage to complex policy challenges and a shifting political landscape.
In the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election held on 4 October 2025, Sanae Takaichi defied widespread expectations by defeating Shinjiro Koizumi, who had been considered the frontrunner.
Former prime minister Taro Aso is being lauded as instrumental in supporting Takaichi’s upset victory, leveraging his organisational power to win over the camps behind Toshimitsu Motegi and Takayuki Kobayashi.
Some have criticised the outcome as a product of outdated factional politics.
Author's summary: Takaichi wins LDP presidency.