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Influential leader: Baroness Margaret Thatcher. Long-held ambition: to be the nation's first female leader.

Despite two previous losses, Sanae Takaichi successfully attained her long-held ambition.

The veteran politician was elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on its 70th anniversary - putting her on course to become the nation's inaugural woman premier.

Once a senior official and television presenter, and once a drummer in a rock group, she will now undertake the responsibility of leading a party still struggling to regain citizen faith after scandals, while addressing a growing conservative movement.

Formative Years

Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961, Takaichi's father was an business professional and the mother a police officer. Government involvement was remote from her childhood.

Previously a passionate band percussionist, she was renowned for carrying many sticks because she would snap them during energetic playing. She was also a scuba diver and a vehicle aficionado - her cherished sports car is now showcased in a cultural institution.

Before government service, she served temporarily as a broadcast personality.

Political Inspiration

Her motivation for public service originated in the 1980s, during the climax of US-Japan trade friction. Eager to grasp American perceptions of Japan, she was employed in the office of US representative, a legislator known for her skepticism toward Japan.

She observed Americans mixing up Asian cultures and customs, observing how Japan was often lumped together with China and South Korea.

"Unless Japan can defend itself, its fate will always be subject to superficial American views," she reasoned.

Public Office

She stood for her first parliamentary election in 1992 as an non-aligned politician but did not succeed.

She persevered, gaining a position a subsequent election and entering the party in 1996. From that point, she has been elected as an MP multiple terms, losing only once, and established herself as one of the party's most outspoken traditionalist advocates.

She has also held senior government roles, including economic security minister, trade and industry deputy, and a historically long service as domestic policy chief.

Leadership Battles

In 2021, the politician first contested the LDP leadership race but was defeated by Fumio Kishida. She tried again in 2024, on this occasion leading the initial ballot but eventually falling to another contender.

Now, on her third attempt, she secured victory - setting her on course to become the nation's inaugural woman leader once the legislature approves her appointment.

"My goal is to become Japan's Iron Lady," she stated to a group of school children during her latest electoral effort.

Political Stances

Takaichi is a committed right-winger who has consistently resisted legislation allowing wives to use original family names, claiming it weakens tradition. She is also opposed to gay marriage.

However, she has more recently tempered her tone. In her political platform she promised to make nanny expenses subject to tax benefits and suggested company tax reductions for companies that provide in-house childcare services.

Individual and domestic situations inform her government plans: improving healthcare for female wellness, giving household support workers improved standing, and enhancing support services for the country's senior citizens.

"Through my own life care provision three times in my life," she explained. "That's why my resolve has intensified to decrease the quantity of workers needing to quit their employment due to caregiving, parenting or school refusal issues. My goal is to build a nation where citizens can maintain their careers."

A protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, she promised to resurrect his financial strategy of high public spending and affordable credit.

She is known as a regular visitor to the disputed memorial which honours Japan's war dead including controversial individuals.

She has also called for modifying regulatory constraints on the country's Self-Defence Forces, which are barred from developing offensive capabilities.

National Landscape

Since creation in 1955, the organization has led the political scene, but it is now facing challenges amid frustration with a slow growth, aging society and social discontent.

She represents the traditionalist element of the LDP, and in choosing her the organization intends to win back right-leaning citizens who have gravitated towards the conservative alternative.

The political party, promoting a "Japan First" slogan, has recently surged from one to 15 seats, pulling conservative voters. The LDP has lost its legislative dominance.

She openly admitted the problem in a statement following victory: "There has been particularly harsh criticism from our loyal members, traditionalists, and organization affiliates."

"Transformation is necessary to benefit today and tomorrow. Our priority remains the national interest foremost and manage the country with a balanced perspective."

The legislature will likely approve her leadership on 15 October.