Sanae Takaichi has been elected leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, thus becoming the first woman with a chance to become the country's prime minister.

Former Minister of Economic Security, Sanae Takaichi, has been elected leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), having a strong chance of becoming Japan's first female prime minister. Takaichi, a conservative politician, defeated another popular candidate, Shinjiro Koizumi, in an internal vote. The LDP, which has suffered recent electoral losses, is seeking to regain public support and address internal and external challenges, including a planned meeting with American President Donald Trump. However, the party faces criticism for neglecting the opposition and avoiding controversial social issues.