Japan Institute for National Fundamentals
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Speaking out

Takashi Arimoto

【#1295】Hopes for New LDP Leader Takaichi

Takashi Arimoto ／ 2025.10.07 (Tue)


October 6, 2025

　
Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Concerns among LDP rank and file that the raison d’etre of the LDP as a conservative party would be lost without a major change propelled Takaichi to the leadership, despite her lower support among LDP lawmakers. While she is likely to become Japan’s first female prime minister, there is no celebratory mood. As Takaichi herself told this author, “The real struggle begins now.”

Why did the LDP suffer crushing defeats in the House of Representatives election last fall and the House of Councilors election this summer? As Takaichi noted in her speech ahead of the runoff on October 4, voters strongly doubt if the LDP understands how harsh their lives are and believe LDP policies offer little hope for the future.

Incumbent Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has advocated “thorough Diet deliberations” and showed such deference to the opposition that his passive approach became conspicuous. While listening to opposition voices is necessary, Takaichi is expected to assert her own vision and carry it out decisively as prime minister.

Avoid dependance on others for national defense

During the LDP leadership race, Takaichi and other candidates refrained from in-depth discussions on the severe security environment surrounding Japan. Still, as stated in the government expert panel’s recommendations in September, which urged the government to promptly consider and advance efforts to further strengthen Japan’s deterrence and response capabilities, what should be done is clear. On this point, Takaichi makes her position clear in her book “Kokuryoku Kenkyu (study of national power)” (Sankei Shimbun Publications Inc.): “Excessive dependence on others should be strictly avoided, and it is essential to continuously strengthen Japan’s own defense capabilities.” She will be expected to implement the idea.

Explicitly defining the Self-Defense Forces in the constitution is essential as a prerequisite for strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities. On constitutional amendment, a core principle of the LDP, Ishiba has vowed to “work energetically” and his predecessor Fumio Kishida said, “Politicians are responsible for offering choices to the public.” While expressing willingness, both lacked enthusiasm for doing so.

Eventually, the LDP and other pro-amendment parties in the House of Representatives lost the two-thirds majority required to initiate a national referendum for constitutional amendment. Although the momentum for the constitutional amendment has receded, Takaichi should give top priority to amending Article 9 of the constitution to explicitly define the Self-Defense Forces, as she insisted in the LDP leadership race.

Settle the imperial succession issue

She will also be expected to demonstrate leadership as party leader in implementing a government report —— postponed under the Ishiba government — that the male-line imperial succession should be preserved in order to ensure stable imperial succession.

In her above-mentioned book on the study of national power, Takaichi writes:

“We should face reality and make necessary preparations early as possible, and continue to boldly take on challenges in various fields for the sake of Japanese people who live today and in the future.”

The time has come for Takaichi as prime minister to lead that effort.

Takashi Arimoto is a Planning Committee member at the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals and a columnist at the Sankei Shimbun newspaper.