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Who is Iron Lady Takaichi: Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) seems to be getting a big victory in the snap general elections. According to media estimates, this victory will further strengthen Takaichi’s political position, but at the same time the concerns of global investors and neighboring country China have also increased.

According to estimates by Japan’s government broadcaster NHK, LDP may get 274 to 328 seats in the lower house of 465 members. This is considered a big leap compared to the party’s previous 198 seats. Together with alliance partner Japan Innovation Party, the alliance is expected to get a total of 302 to 366 seats, which will result in a clear and strong majority in the Parliament.

Sanai Takachi hopes for a big victory

If this alliance crosses the 310-seat mark, it will be the first time since 2017 that a government will get two-thirds majority in the lower house. The Prime Minister of Japan at that time was Shinzo Abe, who is also considered to be Takaichi’s political guide. Such a majority will give the government more power and political stability in making laws.

Who is Sanae Takaichi?

• The political journey of 64 year old Takaichi has also been quite interesting. In her youth, she had been a drummer in a heavy metal music band and calls herself a fan of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
• Sanae Takaichi is the Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from October 2025, and is the country’s first female leader to hold both these positions. Takaichi, a member of the House of Representatives since 1993, has held several important ministerial positions in the Shinzo Abe, Junichiro Koizumi and Fumio Kishida governments.4
• As the Minister of Economic Security in the Kishida government, he prepared a law to the Security Clearance System, which was approved by the Parliament in 2024. After unsuccessfully running for LDP presidency in 2021 and 2024, he defeated Shinjiro Koizumi to take charge of the party in 2025.
• Takaichi first tried to run for election from the Nara Prefecture electoral district during the 1992 House of Councilors elections. Out of 313 eligible voters, Takaichi lost to Hattori. In this election, Hattori got a total of 162 votes while Takaichi got a total of 137 votes and 1 invalid vote.
• She has often been in controversy due to her visit to the Yasukuni Shrine and her strong nationalist stance, especially regarding relations with China and South Korea. Due to his statements to media freedom and government control on broadcasting, questions were raised on him domestically and internationally.

Very popular among young voters

It has been seen that his popularity among young voters has increased, in which his easy-going and relatable public image along with his strong political message has played an important role.

PM Modi congratulated

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her election victory. He wrote on the social media platform ‘X’ that India-Japan special strategic and global partnership plays an important role in strengthening global peace, stability and prosperity and he is confident that under the leadership of Takaichi, the friendship between the two countries will reach new heights.

What is the international impact of Takaichi’s victory?

The international implications of Takaichi’s big victory are also being seen, especially regarding relations with China. She is known for her tough stance towards Beijing. Recently he had said that if China tries to occupy Taiwan by force, Japan may also consider military intervention. China had reacted sharply to this statement, summoned the Japanese ambassador and issued a warning to its citizens against traveling to Japan.