Japan's Takaichi Poised to Expand Power in Sunday's Vote

The charismatic prime minister aims to push Japan further to the right on security, gender, and immigration.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a heavy metal fan and motorcycle enthusiast, is poised to lead her conservative Liberal Democratic Party to big gains in Sunday's lower house election. Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, is known for her hawkish, deeply conservative views that echo those of her mentor, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Despite facing criticism from feminists, Takaichi remains popular, especially among younger voters who are drawn to her charismatic and straight-talking persona.

Why it matters

Takaichi's potential electoral victory would allow her to steer Japan further to the right on key issues like security, gender, and immigration. As Abe's protégé, she is expected to push for greater military capability, more patriotic education, and the promotion of traditional family values - policies that could have significant implications for Japan's domestic and foreign policy.

The details

Takaichi, born in Japan's ancient capital of Nara, was raised by conservative parents who instilled in her prewar moral values. Despite facing early challenges as a woman in politics, including allegations of being a mistress and criticism for her fashion choices, Takaichi rose quickly through the ranks during Abe's leadership, gaining key ministerial and party posts. After Abe stepped down, Takaichi ran for the LDP leadership race twice before finally winning the top job in October 2026, replacing Abe's rival, centrist Shigeru Ishiba. Takaichi has reappointed some of Abe's top advisers and is expected to push Japan further to the right if her party makes gains in Sunday's election.

  • Takaichi was first elected to Parliament in 1993.
  • She ran for the LDP leadership race in 2021 and 2024 before winning the top job in October 2026.

The players

Sanae Takaichi

Japan's current prime minister and the first woman to lead the country. She is known for her hawkish, deeply conservative views that echo those of her mentor, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Shinzo Abe

The late former Prime Minister of Japan who served as Takaichi's mentor and protégé.

Shigeru Ishiba

A centrist politician who was Abe's rival and the prime minister Takaichi replaced in October 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Takaichi is highly regarded, especially by women and younger generations who strongly feel stuck and hopeless.”

— Izuru Makihara, University of Tokyo politics expert

“When I look at Takaichi's policies, her being a woman doesn't matter. I think she has strong leadership skills and charisma.”

— Riho Shimogomi, 43-year-old office worker

What’s next

Takaichi's party is expected to make significant gains in Sunday's lower house election, which would allow her to push Japan further to the right on key issues.

The takeaway

Takaichi's potential rise to power represents a significant shift in Japanese politics, as the country could see a more hawkish, conservative agenda under her leadership, with potential implications for domestic and foreign policy.