Japan: Is it Ready for its First Female Prime Minister?

The race to select the next leader of Japan has begun after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his intention to resign. Two names stand out: former Minister of Economic Security Sanae Takaichi and current Minister of Agriculture Shinjiro Koizumi.

A Nikkei poll showed Takaichi leading with 23% support, while Koizumi had 22%. If elected, she would be the first woman to lead the world's fourth-largest economy. Tomohiko Taniguchi, former advisor to Shinzo Abe, stated that voters are more ready for a female leader than many assume.

Ishiba is resigning to take responsibility for election losses, amid a cost-of-living crisis and following the completion of a trade agreement with the US.

Takaichi is an 'apostle of Abenomics' and supports revising the constitution. Koizumi, son of former leader Junichiro Koizumi, is considered a safe choice.

While the LDP-Komeito is the ruling coalition, the Lower House makes the final selection of the prime minister. All opposition lawmakers could choose the next prime minister if they unite behind one candidate.