Regardless of whether Japan’s new Prime Minister is a representative of a generational shift or a pioneer in gender equality, they will undoubtedly face formidable challenges ahead.

The next leader of Japan’s ruling party will be either the country’s first female prime minister or its youngest leader since the war. However, the significance of these milestones will quickly be lost in the party’s attempts to rebuild after two bruising elections. Two of the five candidates vying to replace Shigeru Ishiba, who announced his resignation earlier this month, have emerged as clear favorites in the party’s last-ditch attempt to unify a party battered by a significant funding scandal and the cost-of-living crisis. With just over a week to go before the Liberal Democratic party (LDP) lawmakers and rank-and-file party members cast their votes, Shinjiro Koizumi appears to be on course to become Japan’s youngest postwar prime minister, while Sanae Takaichi, a prominent voice on the right of the LDP, could bring more uncertainty, particularly on the international stage. It remains unsure who will ultimately be elected, but both candidates face important challenges in rebuilding the party and addressing public concerns about corruption and immigration.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/25/japan-leadership-next-pm-shinjiro-koizumi-sanae-takaichi-liberal-democratic-party-debate