Japan's Historic Political Crossroads: Potential First Woman PM or Youngest Modern Leader

Oct 03, 2025 08:21 am CST

Japan approaches a pivotal political moment as Saturday's Liberal Democratic Party leadership vote could deliver either the nation's first female prime minister in Sanae Takaichi or its youngest modern-era leader in Shinjiro Koizumi. The election comes as the ruling party faces significant challenges, including electoral defeats and an economy requiring revitalization, with the winner needing to navigate complex domestic policies and international relations, particularly with the United States.