Tokyo: Sanae Takaichi, the leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was elected on Oct. 21 as the country's 104th prime minister, marking a historic moment as she becomes Japan's first female leader since the establishment of its parliamentary cabinet system in 1885. Although she secured the LDP leadership on Oct. 4, her path to the premiership encountered challenges when the Komeito Party, the LDP's coalition partner for 26 years, decided to withdraw from the alliance. Takaichi navigated this political crisis by forming a new coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party, the second-largest opposition bloc.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Takaichi has committed to continuing "Abenomics," characterized by a weak yen and expansive fiscal policy, while also advocating for a stronger defense posture under the theme of a "powerful Japan." However, her tenure faces scrutiny due to her nationalist views, such as her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines Class A war criminals, and her claim that Dokdo belongs to Japan. With the Japan Innovation Party being regarded as Japan's most right-leaning political group, there is growing concern that her cabinet may push Japan further to the right.
During coalition negotiations, the Innovation Party suggested forming a committee to discuss revising Article 9 of Japan's pacifist constitution, which renounces war. They also proposed accelerating revisions to three key security documents and easing restrictions on defense equipment exports. The party's leader, Hirofumi Yoshimura, had previously opposed the installation of a memorial in San Francisco that honored victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery system, during his tenure as Osaka mayor in 2017.
Under the leadership of former administrations Yoon Suk Yeol and Fumio Kishida, Korea and Japan restored "shuttle diplomacy" and developed a framework for future-oriented cooperation. The new relationship between Lee Jae Myung and Sanae Takaichi is encouraged to continue this pragmatic approach, recognizing shared national interests amid the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and closer ties among North Korea, China, and Russia. Notably, Takaichi abstained from visiting Yasukuni during the autumn festival period ending on Oct. 19, a gesture likely aimed at addressing concerns in Seoul and Washington.
Nevertheless, caution remains essential. The LDP, under Takaichi's leadership, does not hold a majority in the lower house of Japan's Diet. Facing pressure from nationalist voters, she might be tempted to exploit historical issues for political advantage, potentially jeopardizing bilateral relations. Korea encounters similar domestic pressures ahead of next year's local elections. Both governments must uphold existing agreements on historical disputes and work to convince their publics that reconciliation and cooperation are in the national interest.
President Lee and Prime Minister Takaichi are anticipated to meet later this month during the Asean Summit on Oct. 26 and the APEC Summit in Gyeongju on Oct. 31. Amidst sweeping geopolitical changes, they are reminded of the old proverb that a single arrow breaks easily, but a bundle does not, emphasizing the enduring strength in unity.