Tokyo: Sanae Takaichi, the 64-year-old leader of Japan's conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has made history as Japan's first female prime minister and the country's 104th leader since the establishment of the position in 1885. Takaichi secured her position by winning 237 votes in Japan's lower house, gaining a slight majority, and subsequently winning a runoff in the upper house. As a successor to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic policies, Takaichi's leadership marks a significant shift as the LDP parted ways with its moderate former coalition partner, the Komeito Party, to align with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the LDP and Japan Innovation Party together do not hold a majority in the Japanese parliament. In her new role, Takaichi has the opportunity to demonstrate her capability as a pragmatic leader, both domestically and internationally, with a focus on building a robust Japanese economy and safeguarding national interests. She emphasized the importance of strengthening Seoul-Tokyo relations, stating the ties are "now greater than ever" and expressing a desire to stabilize and advance these relationships by building on the foundation laid by previous administrations.
Despite expectations for a more collaborative approach, Takaichi has shown interest in revising three security-related documents, which could lead to an increase in defense spending to 2 percent or more of Japan's GDP by 2027. She has advocated for amending Japan's pacifist Constitution to strengthen the military and has previously visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals. Takaichi has criticized past apologies for wartime atrocities and has challenged Korea's sovereignty over the Dokdo islets.
This year, however, Takaichi chose not to visit Yasukuni Shrine, possibly due to numerous diplomatic engagements, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings in Malaysia, an upcoming summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Japan from Oct. 27-29, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, from Oct. 31-Nov. 1, which holds particular importance for Korea.
Strengthening Japan's military may not be well-received by neighboring countries like Korea and China, especially amid the evolving global dynamics shaped by U.S.-China competition. Historical issues and government changes have often influenced Seoul-Tokyo relations. Nonetheless, the geographical and political significance of both nations in Asia is undeniable. Takaichi is aware of this and should engage constructively with Korea's Lee Jae Myung administration.
Lee extended his congratulations to Takaichi via Facebook, expressing a desire to enhance "future-oriented, mutually beneficial cooperation" between the two nations. The upcoming APEC summit could serve as a platform for both leaders to engage in discussions.
If a meeting occurs, Lee is expected to convey his diplomatic strategy focused on maximizing national interests. An editorial by Japan Times urged the new prime minister to prioritize pragmatism over ideology. Takaichi should further elaborate on her inauguration speech and plans for Japan's economic fortification.
There is considerable potential for cooperation between Japan and Korea in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing and rare earth supply chain stabilization. Allowing bilateral relations to deteriorate would be counterproductive. Clear messaging and continued face-to-face diplomacy are essential for sustaining and enhancing the renewed engagement between the two nations.