First Female PM? Takaichi Poised for Another Run as Ishiba Resigns

The resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba could pave the way for Japan to get its first female leader, as ultra-conservative Sanae Takaichi is expected to launch another bid for the top job. Ishiba’s departure triggers a leadership contest within the ruling LDP.
Ishiba announced he was stepping down after a tumultuous period in which his coalition lost its parliamentary majorities in two successive elections. The defeats made his position untenable and led to an internal party revolt that forced his hand.
Now, attention turns to the race to replace him. Takaichi, a former economic security minister who lost to Ishiba in last year’s leadership election, is a prominent figure on the party’s right wing and is widely anticipated to run again.
Her potential candidacy sets up a fascinating contest. The LDP must decide if her brand of staunch conservatism is the answer to its problems, or if a more youthful and modernizing figure like Shinji Koizumi would be better placed to win back disaffected voters.