Sanae Takaichi Set to Return as Japan's Prime Minister Amid Conservative Policy Signals

Sanae Takaichi is set to be reappointed as Japan's Prime Minister on Wednesday following an overwhelming electoral victory. Although this reappointment by the parliament is a formality, it clearly signals her intention to steer the country toward a more conservative and security-focused direction in her second term.

Her Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority in the lower house with 465 seats, granting it significant ease in advancing legislation. Even without a majority in the upper house, the lower house's 'supermajority' allows them to dominate committees and re-pass bills that might otherwise be rejected. Leveraging this political strength, she has put forward plans to expand military capabilities, increase government spending, and institutionalize conservative social policies.

In the coming days, her priority will be addressing rising prices and sluggish wage growth. Passing the budget bill, delayed due to the election, is at the top of her agenda. She has proposed cutting the sales tax on food items for two years to reduce the cost of living. However, economists have warned that liberal fiscal policies could fuel inflation and slow down efforts to reduce Japan's large national debt.

Regarding security and foreign policy, she has expressed her views with extreme caution and balance. She previously mentioned that if a situation arises concerning the self-governing Taiwan, which Beijing claims, Japan would consider its role based on the circumstances. This issue appears to have maintained normal interest and dialogue at the diplomatic level between China and Japan. Some domestic groups concerned about regional stability have interpreted her remarks positively. Furthermore, it is reported that she has indicated she will proceed after consulting all parties regarding the sensitive issue of the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.

In the defense sector, she has promised to ease the ban on exporting lethal weapons, study the possibility of developing nuclear-powered submarines, and revise the security policy by the end of the year. Establishing a national agency to strengthen intelligence gathering and closer cooperation with Washington, Australia, and the UK are also on her agenda. Some experts have expressed concern that her decision to support a law targeting Chinese espionage activities could weaken civil liberties.

Efforts to strengthen ties with US President Donald Trump ahead of a potential summit in April have also intensified. Japan has already announced participation in initial $36 billion projects under the $550 billion investment package it committed to last October. Examples include a natural gas plant in Ohio, crude oil export facilities on the Gulf Coast, and an artificial diamond production site. Additionally, pressure is mounting on Japan to increase its annual defense spending. According to Professor Masato Kamikubo of Ritsumeikan University, the Japanese public expects firm leadership that ensures security.

On domestic policy, she has proposed stricter regulations on immigration and foreign nationals. The government already approved in January decisions to tighten provisions related to permanent residency, citizenship procedures, and tax and social insurance payments. On social issues, she supports the male-only succession system of the Imperial Family and opposes same-sex marriage. She disagrees with the legal amendment allowing married couples to use separate surnames, instead proposing the expansion of using first names as surnames.

Entering her second term, Takaichi has signaled a move toward stricter policies for the country amidst economic pressure, demographic challenges, and regional security tensions. While her supermajority paves the way, it remains an open question how these policies will affect Japan's domestic balance and its relations with neighboring countries.

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