Japan's likely next prime minister wrestles coalition backlash

Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), arrives for a press conference after the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Conservative Sanae Takaichi hailed a "new era" on October 4 after winning the leadership of Japan's ruling party, putting her on course to become the country's first woman prime minister. Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool via REUTERS