Takaichi Must Keep Trump's Focus on Northeast Asian Security

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Sanae Takaichi has become Japan's 104th prime minister. Her investiture ceremony took place at the Imperial Palace on the evening of October 21. Earlier that day, she was nominated for the position by both the Upper and Lower Houses of Japan's National Diet. 

Takaichi thus became the first female prime minister in the nation's constitutional history.

The Diet selected her as prime minister after the LDP formed a coalition with Nippon Ishin no Kai (Ishin), a conservative party with which it shares several basic policies. However, under their arrangement, Ishin will not furnish any Cabinet members.

We welcome the formation of a new coalition government and Cabinet under Prime Minister Takaichi. Together with the ruling LDP and Ishin, they should now work with all their might for the sake of the nation and the Japanese people.

The text of the coalition agreement between the LDP and Ishin emphasizes from its opening, "Sharing a common national vision, we have decided to transcend partisan divisions to form a stable administration capable of overcoming the national crisis and leading Japan's revival." 

The two parties recognized that the nation is faced with the most severe and complex security environment since the end of the war. Therefore, they agreed to "pursue domestic and foreign policies that advance the path toward a proud and independent nation." 

Urgent Measures to Deal with Rising Prices

These are extremely valid concerns in this age of global turbulence. The Takaichi administration's mission is to revive Japan and ensure peace and prosperity for its citizens.

Takaichi only obtained a slight majority in both houses of the Diet during the prime ministerial election. Therefore, by themselves, the LDP and Ishin do not represent a majority. The new prime minister should seek cooperation from political parties and lawmakers whose basic policies align with hers. She can thereby restore political stability. 

Prime Minister Takaichi and the LDP leadership must now work to unite the LDP and forge a relationship of trust with Ishin. Of course, Ishin itself also bears responsibility for how well the government functions. 

This is likely why Takaichi appointed candidates whom she faced in the LDP presidential election to key positions in her Cabinet. It is also why she appointed Takashi Endo, chairman of Ishin no Kai's Diet Affairs Committee, as Aide to the Prime Minister in charge of promoting policies under the coalition agreement.

Takaichi's new administration must address the vexing issue of rising prices immediately. Various proposals are being discussed, such as the abolition of the provisional gasoline tax rate. However, the FY2025 supplementary budget must be passed for such measures to be implemented effectively. The Diet needs to respond with a sense of urgency. 

First Diplomatic Steps

US President Donald Trump will visit Japan in late October, providing an early test of Takaichi's diplomatic skills. She must build a relationship of trust with Trump, taking advantage of her position as former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's protégé and successor. The US president valued his friendship with Abe. That relationship could form the basis for strengthening the Japan-US alliance and improving deterrence.

The President will likely demand full implementation of the Japan-US trade agreement, including Trump-imposed tariffs on Japanese imports, reached with the previous Shigeru Ishiba administration. We trust that Prime Minister Takaichi will respond in a way that preserves our bilateral alliance and Japan's national interests.

She should strive to keep Trump's attention focused on security issues in Northeast Asia. To achieve this objective, Japan itself needs to convey its determination to maintain peace and its independence in the face of threats from China, North Korea, and other nations. 

Takaichi should also strongly request the US president's cooperation in resolving the issue of Japanese abductions by North Korea.

Coalition Agreement with Ishin no Kai

The LDP-Ishin no Kai coalition agreement includes many reform measures in the area of national security. These are as significant as the series of security reforms undertaken by the Abe administration. They are also on par with the drastic strengthening of defense capabilities initiated by the Kishida administration.

As stated in the agreement, revision of the three strategic security documents must be brought forward. The government's current policy is to ensure that defense spending and related expenses reach 2% of GDP in FY2027. Those calling for the revisions to be brought forward likely have in mind increases in defense-related expenditures and the establishment of a new defense system. 

Another coalition goal is to strengthen intelligence functions. In addition to the enactment of anti-espionage legislation, the establishment of a national intelligence bureau and an independent "foreign intelligence agency" are essential to protect the nation and the Japanese people.

Measures for dealing with foreigners are of great interest to the public. The quantitative management of foreign residents needs to be considered, along with measures to address illegal activities and abuse of existing government systems by foreigners. Both problems need to be addressed effectively. 

Maintaining the nation's independence and ensuring that the Japanese people can live with peace of mind are the foundations of prosperity. 

Preserving the Government and Imperial Succession 

Revision of the Imperial Household Law during the 2026 ordinary Diet session is important to ensure stable succession to the Imperial throne. These should include measures to allow male offspring descended from the Imperial line (male descendants of former collateral Imperial families) to officially become members of the Imperial family. Doing so should be a top priority for the Takaichi administration. 

According to the agreement between the LDP and Ishin, a ruling party constitutional drafting committee will be established during the current extraordinary Diet session. This will focus on amending Article 9 of the Constitution and addressing emergencies. Hopefully, the debate about constitutional reform can now move forward.

Seats in the Diet

Ishin demanded a 10% reduction in the number of Diet seats in the Lower House as a condition for joining the coalition. It also demanded the creation of a secondary capital in the Kansai area, and social security reform, including a reduction in social insurance premiums for the working generation. These, too, are critical issues. Moreover, how they are managed will determine the fate of the coalition. The government should gather a wide range of input from the public and then move forward. 

Prime Minister Takaichi has a reputation for being overly zealous and taking on too much work. However, those at the helm of the government have a duty to stay healthy and get sufficient rest. 

The Prime Minister must have faith in her Cabinet and party leaders and entrust them with substantive work. 

RELATED:

• Takaichi and Japan's Path to Renewal and Stronger Alliance
• Sanae Takaichi Takes Office With Focus on Economy and Security
• Inside the LDP-Ishin no Kai Coalition Agreement

(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun