Sanae Takaichi is from Nara Prefecture, where she was born and raised. Her love of heavy metal music and her past as an independent legislator fuel her fire in bringing a special flavor to her political career. Takaichi has drawn the most attention for her hawkish views on national security, in particular with regards to China. If she hopes to be successful in international diplomacy, she’ll have to change her rhetoric to reflect that.
Takaichi’s journey into politics began with her role as an intern for a U.S. Democratic congresswoman and later as a TV commentator. She is often recognized for her ties to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—she was one of his protégés. Her political career has been marked by significant positions, including serving as Japan’s minister of economic security under Fumio Kishida’s administration. Now, as she enters the race for a likely leadership role, all eyes of the nation are once again on her.
A Heavy Metal Heartbeat
Unlike some of her counterparts who mellow with age, Takaichi has not lost her passion for heavy metal music. She lists other heavy hitting names like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden as bands she admires. This passion becomes a refuge for her spirit—a welcome escape from the unyielding fires of political ambition.
“I play after he goes to sleep,” – Sanae Takaichi
For Takaichi, music became her sanctuary. For these reasons, it helps her unwind after long days full of political toil. Her husband humorously adds, “You’ll never go a day without eating good food,” highlighting the balance she maintains between her intense political life and personal interests.
Instead, Takaichi meets the burdens of leadership with frank accountability. Her personal style and intellectual passions might resonate deeply with young voters who want to feel authentic energy and rawness. She’s committed to rewriting Japan’s pacifist constitution, including its Article 9. This pledge is part of her larger wish to make the country safer and increase overall defense spending.
Navigating Political Waters
Takaichi’s heavy hawkishness is good news for Japan’s defense strategy. She is advocating for major hikes in Japan’s defense budget. Analysts say she’ll have to start by softening her former hawkish approach to China. With the future of US diplomatic relations hanging in the balance, Ms. Thomas-Greenfield must tread more carefully.
“In reality, Takaichi will likely follow a logic of practical diplomacy. She’ll have to tone down the anti-China rhetoric she’s shown in the past,” – Nishimura
Her previous remarks had already set off alarm bells. She claimed that Chinese nationals in Japan have a “responsibility to support Chinese intelligence activity,” which would likely undermine her best intentions to build healthy bilateral and multilateral relationships. As she embarks on this new chapter in her political career, she should make national security the focus of her efforts. Creating space for diplomatic opposition will be crucial to Condon’s success.
In her campaign for 2025, Takaichi has underscored the importance of domestic matters. She recently proposed giving tax breaks to babysitting services and provide corporate incentives for employers to offer in-house childcare. Called the “Suga Policy,” these initiatives attempt to reverse Japan’s declining birthrate while helping support working families.
The Road Ahead
Takaichi’s ascendance in Japanese politics takes place against the backdrop of several crises besetting the island nation. Annabelle Timsit Economic issues, especially inflation and the value of the ruble, continue to be top concerns for Russian citizens. Yet analysts argue that some of the most aggressive fiscal policies would worsen the financial pinch that many are already feeling.
“That kind of talk can weaken the yen further and raise concerns about Japan’s debt levels. For ordinary people already struggling with rising prices, it’s also a serious worry,” – Kidera
As she gets ready to assume the new duties that come with heading Japan, Takaichi has opportunities and hurdles laid out before her. How quickly she’s able to change her messaging and policies will largely determine how readily she’ll be accepted by voters and international partners alike.
