Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

- Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, also former president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), after winning LDP presidential election at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Japan's former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi won Japan's LDP presidential election on Saturday, making her likely to become Japan's first female prime minister. Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon/REUTERS/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

- Sanae Takaichi is pictured after winning Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Japan's former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi won Japan's LDP presidential election on Saturday, making her likely to become Japan's first female prime minister. Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon/REUTERS/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

- Sanae Takaichi is pictured during Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Japan's former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi won Japan's LDP presidential election on Saturday, making her likely to become Japan's first female prime minister. Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon/REUTERS/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

- Sanae Takaichi (1st R) reacts after winning Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Japan's former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi won Japan's LDP presidential election on Saturday, making her likely to become Japan's first female prime minister. Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon/REUTERS/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's Ruling Party Leader - Tokyo

- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, also former president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), casts his ballot during LDP presidential election at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Japan's former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi won Japan's LDP presidential election on Saturday, making her likely to become Japan's first female prime minister. Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon/REUTERS/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi casts his vote in the first round of voting in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Oct. 4, 2025.

[Breaking News]Japan LDP leadership election

TOKYO, Japan, Sept. 22 Kyodo - The five candidates for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election -- former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi and agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi -- prepare to make policy speeches at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, the first day of official campaigning for the Oct. 4 election.

[Breaking News]Japan LDP leadership election

TOKYO, Japan, Sept. 24 Kyodo - Takayuki Kobayashi, former Japanese economic security minister and a candidate in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's upcoming leadership election, speaks during a debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Sept. 24, 2025. (Kyodo)

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Five candidates for the Oct. 4 ruling Liberal Democratic Party presidential election -- (from L) former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi and farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi -- take part in a live internet debate in Tokyo on Sept. 28, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Takayuki Kobayashi, former Japanese economic security minister and a candidate in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's upcoming leadership election, speaks during a debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Sept. 24, 2025.

Candidates hold debate ahead of LDP leadership election

Candidates hold debate ahead of LDP leadership election

The five candidates running in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election -- (from L) former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi and agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi -- take part in a debate at LDP headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 23, 2025, ahead of the Oct. 4 vote.

Joint press conference ahead of LDP leadership poll

Joint press conference ahead of LDP leadership poll

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi answers a reporter's question during a joint press conference with four other candidates for the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party leadership election at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 23, 2025.

LDP leadership election

LDP leadership election

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi makes a policy speech at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, as official campaigning for the Oct. 4 LDP leadership election begins.

LDP leadership race

LDP leadership race

Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi (R) raises his fist during a pep rally at the Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, after filing his candidacy for the Oct. 4 LDP presidential election.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

The five candidates for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election -- (seated in front row of stage, from L) former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi and agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi -- prepare to make policy speeches at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 22, 2025, the first day of official campaigning for the Oct. 4 election. ==Kyodo

Japan ruling party leadership race

Japan ruling party leadership race

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to announce his candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan ruling party leadership race

Japan ruling party leadership race

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to announce his candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan ruling party leadership race

Japan ruling party leadership race

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to announce his candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan ruling party leadership race

Japan ruling party leadership race

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to announce his candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan ruling party leadership race

Japan ruling party leadership race

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to announce his candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan ruling party leadership race

Japan ruling party leadership race

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to announce his candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Japan ruling party leadership race

Japan ruling party leadership race

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to announce his candidacy in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Ex-economic security minister Kobayashi

Ex-economic security minister Kobayashi

Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to formally announce his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Ex-economic security minister Kobayashi

Ex-economic security minister Kobayashi

Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to formally announce his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

Ex-economic security minister Kobayashi

Ex-economic security minister Kobayashi

Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Sept. 16, 2025, to formally announce his candidacy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election.

[Breaking News]Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 15 Kyodo - Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. (Kyodo)

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press during her visit to the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Ex-economic security minister at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

TOKYO, Japan, April 22 Kyodo - Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press after offering prayers at the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo during its three-day spring festival on April 22, 2025. (Kyodo)

Ex-economic security minister at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Ex-economic security minister at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press after offering prayers at the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo during its three-day spring festival on April 22, 2025.

Ex-economic security minister at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Ex-economic security minister at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo to offer prayers during its three-day spring festival on April 22, 2025.

Ex-economic security minister at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Ex-economic security minister at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured after offering prayers at the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo during its three-day spring festival on April 22, 2025.

Former Japan minister visits war-linked Yasukuni shrine

Former Japan minister visits war-linked Yasukuni shrine

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press after visiting the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2024, the first day of its three-day autumn festival.

Former Japan minister visits war-linked Yasukuni shrine

Former Japan minister visits war-linked Yasukuni shrine

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi is seen after visiting the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2024, the first day of its three-day autumn festival.

Former Japan minister visits war-linked Yasukuni shrine

Former Japan minister visits war-linked Yasukuni shrine

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi is seen after visiting the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2024, the first day of its three-day autumn festival.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters after losing to former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2024. Ishiba's win in a runoff vote means he is set to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters after losing to former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2024. Ishiba's win in a runoff vote means he is set to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured after losing to former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2024. Ishiba's win in a runoff vote means he is set to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba (C) shakes hands with economic security minister Sanae Takaichi at the Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2024, after defeating her in a runoff vote in the ruling party's presidential election. Ishiba's win in the election means he is set to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Combined photo shows former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba (L) and economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, candidates in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election, delivering speeches at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2024, before a runoff between them during the election to choose the successor to outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

The results of the first round of voting in the presidential election of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party are shown at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2024. Top two contenders -- economic security minister Sanae Takaichi and former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba -- won the right to proceed to a runoff.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

The results of the first round of voting in the presidential election of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party are shown at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2024. Top two contenders -- economic security minister Sanae Takaichi and former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba -- won the right to proceed to a runoff.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Combined photo shows former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba (L) and economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, candidates in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election, cast their ballots in the first round of voting at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2024, during the election to choose the successor to outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, a candidate in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election, casts his vote in the first round of voting at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2024, during the election to choose the successor to outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, a candidate in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election, makes a speech in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, western Japan, on Sept. 18, 2024, ahead of the Sept. 27 election.

Japan LDP leadership election

Japan LDP leadership election

Former Japanese economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, a candidate contesting the upcoming leadership race of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, speaks during a debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Sept. 14, 2024.

Debate for LDP presidential race

Debate for LDP presidential race

Candidates contesting the leadership race of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party -- (from L) economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, Digital Minister Taro Kono, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi -- pose for a photo as they hold debate at Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Sept. 14, 2024, ahead of the Sept. 27 election.

Debate for LDP presidential race

Debate for LDP presidential race

Candidates contesting the leadership race of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party -- (from L) economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, Digital Minister Taro Kono, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi -- pose for a photo as they hold debate at Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Sept. 14, 2024, ahead of the Sept. 27 election.