• Sanae Takaichi is set to become Japan's first female prime minister following her election as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party.
• Takaichi faces immediate political challenges, including rifts with coalition partner Komeito and rising inflation concerns.
• Her hardline conservative stance and past actions may impact her ability to maintain support and work with opposition parties.
• The new prime minister must address diplomatic relations with the US and China while managing internal coalition demands.
• Public dissatisfaction and party dynamics pose risks to the stability of Takaichi's government before it even begins.

Sanae Takaichi has emerged as Japan's first female prime minister in a historic election as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Her victory, secured against Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, marks a significant milestone while also presenting immediate political challenges. Analysts predict that Takaichi, who is 64 years old and highly regarded for her experience, must quickly address inflation and diplomatic issues, particularly in relation to the United States and China, to stabilize her government and regain public trust, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.

As Takaichi prepares to take office, she faces political gridlock stemming from a rift with Komeito, her party's long-standing coalition partner. Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito has raised concerns about Takaichi's hardline conservative stance, particularly regarding her visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and policies on immigration, threatening the stability of the coalition that has governed Japan for over two decades. With the LDP having lost its majority in recent elections, Takaichi's ability to navigate these relationships is critical, as losing Komeito's support would diminish her legislative power, according to CBS News and South China Morning Post.

Takaichi's rise has also been accompanied by the expectation of reviving "Abenomics"—the economic policies championed by her predecessor, Shinzo Abe, focusing on aggressive spending and monetary stimulus. However, Japan is grappling with substantial public debt exceeding 260 percent of its GDP, necessitating a careful balance between stimulating the economy and addressing inflation concerns. Takaichi's hardline views on immigration and close relations with the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump, could also shape her economic strategy and diplomatic approach moving forward, as noted by Channel News Asia and India Times.

Political analysts warn that Takaichi's conservative platform, including her controversial views on wartime history and nationalism, may limit her options for coalition-building and collaboration with opposition parties. Potential partnerships with far-right parties could alienate moderate voters, risking further polarization within the political landscape. Observers highlight that Takaichi must be flexible in her approach to secure legislative support while maintaining her ideological beliefs, as noted by South China Morning Post and India Times.

Takaichi has declared her intention to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance while also seeking to engage in trilateral relations with South Korea and Australia. However, she faces the challenge of reconciling her hawkish foreign policy views with the need to maintain a cooperative stance, especially given the historical sensitivities surrounding her political stance towards China. As a result, Takaichi's leadership will be scrutinized closely regarding her ability to forge beneficial international partnerships while addressing domestic political dilemmas, according to CBS News and India Times.