Sanae Takaichi Enters the Race to Become Japan's First Female Prime Minister

In a pivotal move, veteran lawmaker Sanae Takaichi has declared her intentions to run for the leadership of Japan's ruling party, aiming for the top job to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Takaichi is positioning herself as a front-runner in the race, alongside Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, to become Japan's first female prime minister.

Takaichi, known for her opposition to the Bank of Japan's interest rate hikes, advocates for increased spending to revitalize Japan's fragile economy. Her announcement comes ahead of Ishiba's resignation, triggered by his handling of several electoral setbacks during his short-term leadership.

The leadership race also features Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi. Each candidate brings varied policy perspectives, from maintaining elements of the Ishiba administration's strategies to proposing negotiations with the U.S. over tariffs.

(With inputs from agencies.)