Sanae Takaichi Set to Become Japan's First Woman Prime Minister

• Sanae Takaichi won the leadership of Japan's governing party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
• Her win puts her on track to become Japan's first female prime minister
• Takaichi, 64, hailed her victory as ushering in a "new era"

Right-wing politician Sanae Takaichi called her election a "new era" after she won the headship of Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday, putting her in line to be the nation's first female prime minister.

Sanae, 64, who takes her political inspiration from former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, recognized the work ahead, pointing out that there is a "mountain of work" to be done to revive the fortunes of the party.

The LDP, which has ruled Japan nearly uninterrupted for decades, has suffered weakening support as other, smaller parties, such as anti-immigration Sanseito, have made ground.

She won in a run-off from the more centrist Shinjiro Koizumi, 20 years her senior, following the removal of former candidate Yoshimasa Hayashi and two others. Sanae will be confirmed by parliament later this month to serve as Japan's fifth prime minister in five years.

At LDP headquarters, Sanae stressed the importance of generational unity to rebuild the party and restore voter confidence. She stated, "We must all work together in all generations and united work to rebuild the LDP… Everyone will have to work like a horse."

On the campaign trail, both Koizumi and Sanae spoke to voters worried about immigration, with Sanae explaining that Japan needs to rethink policies that permit individuals from much more dissimilar cultural backgrounds to come to Japan. Foreign-born residents in Japan make up just some three percent of the population at this time.

On economic policy, Sanae has in the past advocated strong monetary easing and higher fiscal spending, following the lead of her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But she moderated her position during the campaign and has also indicated a more cautious approach to China.

Even though it is the first time a women has been elected as head of government in Japan, observers believe Sanae is of the LDP traditionalist faction and will not prioritize women’s rights or gender parity polices. She said, "I too shall be forsaking work-life balance. Work, work, work, work, work I shall."

At this point, Sanae faces a myriad of pressing issues, from an ageing population, economic issues, geopolitical strife, and deepening public discussion on immigration, as she seeks to re-establish the LDP’s footing with voters.