Japan’s newly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to become the country’s first female prime minister, assuming office following her election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on October 4, 2025. Known as Japan’s “Iron Lady” and a conservative right-wing figure, Takaichi is a longtime admirer of Margaret Thatcher and a protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Her leadership marks a potential hardline shift in Japan’s foreign and domestic policies, including efforts to revise the pacifist constitution, boost defense spending, and take a tougher stance on China and North Korea. Takaichi supports strengthening alliances with the United States and countries like India while emphasizing Japan’s national security through increased government spending and regulatory measures against foreign investments in sensitive sectors. Her repeated visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine and nationalist views have raised concerns about worsening relations with South Korea and China. Domestically, she faces challenges such as an aging population, economic pressures, and the need to unify a divided party after recent electoral setbacks. Takaichi is expected to meet leaders such as Donald Trump and Xi Jinping later this month to navigate these geopolitical complexities. Her tenure may reshape East Asia’s strategic landscape significantly.