LDP President Sanae Takaichi (center) at the party headquarters in Nagatacho, Tokyo, on October 5. (©Sankei)
On the afternoon of October 21, the Japanese Diet elected Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as Japan's 104th prime minister.
Takaichi's historic ascention as the country's first female prime minister has drawn widespread attention, from regional neighbors to global partners.
Washington Express Optimism
United States Ambassador to Japan George Glass congratulated Takaichi on his X post, noting that the partnership between the two countries "will reach new heights of cooperation across areas ranging from security and technology to energy and trade."
At a public event earlier in the week, Glass expressed his anticipation of working with the new prime minister, adding that President Donald Trump "would love" a relationship with Japan akin to that under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
While Trump did not immediately comment, when Takaichi was elected head of her party on October 4, he described her as a "highly respected" person of "great wisdom and strength."
The US president is scheduled for a three-day visit to Tokyo starting October 27, where he and the newly appointed prime minister are expected to hold talks on tariffs and security commitments.
South Korea Weighs Takaichi
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung also welcomed Japan's new leader on social media, expressing his hopes of meeting directly and engaging in constructive dialogue at the APEC summit in Gyeongju.
"Amid rising uncertainty in international affairs, the importance of South Korea–Japan relations has never been greater," he said.
Following Takaichi's rise to party leadership, South Korean media have portrayed the former economic security minister as "hawkish" and "ultra-right wing."
Her close ties to the late Prime Minister Abe and her visit to the Yasukuni Shrine have raised concerns that bilateral relations between the two East Asian nations could again deteriorate.
Lee, however, has signaled his desire to maintain positive relations.
China Cautions, Taiwan Cheers
Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that Beijing's position on its relations with Japan is consistent and clear.
"We hope Japan will honor its political commitments on major issues concerning history and Taiwan, uphold the political foundation of the bilateral relationship, and fully advance the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit," he said.
Amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, the Taiwanese Presidential Office also extended its congratulations.
In a statement, the presidential spokesperson expressed hope for deepening cooperation with Japan across multiple fields and for jointly safeguarding stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
President Lai Ching-te positioned Takaichi as an "unwavering friend" in a social media post, portraying Taiwan and Japan as close partners united by shared values.
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Author: Kenji Yoshida
