Japan’s Takaichi Closes In on Premiership After Talks Progress

Sanae Takaichi, a senior member of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is making significant progress in her bid to become the next prime minister. After a potential ally abandoned efforts to form a rival coalition, Takaichi's path to the premiership has become more clear. Takaichi, a conservative politician, has gained the support of several key LDP factions, putting her in a strong position to succeed the current prime minister, Fumio Kishida. Her rise to power would mark a significant shift in Japan's political landscape, as she would be the country's first female prime minister. The article notes that Takaichi's ascension to the premiership is not yet guaranteed, as the LDP still needs to hold internal elections to determine the party's leadership. However, the withdrawal of the potential rival coalition suggests that Takaichi's chances of becoming the next prime minister have significantly improved.