Sanae Takaichi, a prominent Japanese politician and former economic security minister, is poised to make significant waves in the nation’s political sphere. Just last week, Takaichi was advocating for a re-negotiation of the U.S.-Japan trade deal, hinting at a “do-over” as an option. This agreement consists of Japan’s promise of $550 billion in investments, a commitment that Takaichi seems particularly ready to second-guess.
Takaichi’s comments are particularly notable as Japan is reconsidering its international trade agreements and relationships. Her position indicates a welcome shift in approach. She has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the table for new trade terms with the U.S. Observers note that her approach signals a more assertive posture in negotiations, particularly as Japan navigates complex global economic challenges.
In addition to her views on trade, Takaichi advocates for revising Japan’s pacifist constitution, especially Article 9, which renounces the nation’s right to wage war. Her stance is indicative of a growing fraction within Japan. As regional security threats grow, people are wanting to see deeper defense policy rethink.
Takaichi’s confrontational approach toward China has raised the most eyebrows, with Takaichi being viewed as a Taiwan backer. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te lauded her as a “staunch friend of Taiwan.” He thinks under her leadership, Japan-Taiwan relations could reach new heights. On China and Korea, she’s been very hawkish. This has led some to believe that she will take a hard line on foreign policy.
As belligerent as Takaichi’s foreign policy perspective may be, she is well aware that it is imperative to keep friendly ties with Japan’s biggest export markets. This balancing act is key to their success. She will have to balance the sometimes-charged politics of international trade with doggedly defending Japan’s economic interest.
She has lofty political ambitions. These ambitions were put in the spotlight with her controversial visit to Yasukuni Shrine, where she paid homage to the war dead during Tokyo’s spring festival on April 23, 2015. This trip is characteristic of her conservative nationalism, and her longing to attune Japan’s present with its past colluding narratives.
Takaichi’s ascendance to the inner corridors of power represents a momentous shift for Japan. More immediately, it will determine whether or not the country continues down its conservative, pro-Abenomics path. William Pesek, an economic analyst, remarked on the implications of her policies, stating, “We can already guess that she won’t bring inflation down, because if she’s going to double down on Abenomics of the past, which means a sharply weaker yen, which means more government spending, that arguably means more inflation.”
The outlook for Takaichi’s administration remains uncertain. Kei Okamura, a second political analyst, said Takaichi’s early moves will be watched with great interest. “This is something that I think we continue to look at more closely, especially in year one and potentially year two of this administration,” he said.