Japan’s Fractured Politics Threaten to Undermine Takaichi’s Ambitious Economic Revival Plan

Japan’s fractured politics are likely to complicate Sanae Takaichi’s economic plans significantly. After becoming the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Takaichi lost the support of the coalition partner Komeito, leaving her without a majority and facing a fragile parliament.

This forces her to seek alliances with smaller, more ideologically diverse parties like the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), whose policy positions differ on key issues such as immigration. While this alliance might allow her to pursue aggressive fiscal measures like increased spending and tax cuts, the fractured legislature risks stalling essential legislation on economic challenges including labor shortages, inflation, and demographic decline.

Takaichi faces an economy grappling with high inflation, worsening demographics with an aging population, and rising social security costs that consume a large part of the budget.

Her economic strategy echoes former “Abenomics” policies, focusing on loose monetary policy and fiscal stimulus to promote growth in sectors like semiconductors, AI, and energy self-sufficiency. Yet, the political instability and lack of a solid parliamentary majority undermine her ability to implement these plans and maintain fiscal discipline, especially amid skeptical factions in her party and public voter fatigue. Additionally, international pressures, such as tense U.S.-Japan relations and trade tariffs, add further complexity.