As of December 2025, Japan's crowded leadership race has put Sanae Takaichi, a former digital minister and right-leaning heavyweight, in the spotlight. Known for her strong will and bold rhetoric, she is positioning herself as a decisive conservative voice.
Shigeaki Koga, a veteran analyst and former official at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, recently described Takaichi as determined and attention-seeking. In a candid assessment, he warns that her expected hardline policies – from potential visits to Yasukuni Shrine to a tougher stance on defense – could unsettle regional ties.
Most notably, Koga singles out Takaichi's approach to the Taiwan region as her most dangerous move yet. He argues that any overt show of support or increased military cooperation, combined with her broader security agenda, risks escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Observers point out that such a strategy could further strain relations with the Chinese mainland and the Republic of Korea, two key players in East Asia. With cross-strait ties already under pressure, diplomatic missteps might ripple through global markets and complicate G20 cooperation on trade and technology.
For young global citizens tracking Japan's next leader, the Taiwan region question will be a critical indicator of Takaichi's foreign policy vision. Stay tuned as this story develops – your voice on social media could shape the conversation around regional stability and international collaboration.
Reference(s):
Analyst: Takaichi's Taiwan strategy is her most dangerous move yet
cgtn.com
