Japan's first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, vowed to significantly ramp up the nation's military capabilities during her inaugural policy speech on Friday. Citing escalating tensions with China, North Korea, and Russia, Takaichi announced plans to hit a 2% GDP military spending target by March, ahead of the original 2027 timeline, and to revise Japan's security strategy by the end of 2026.

Takaichi, who assumed office on Tuesday after intense political battles within her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), emphasized the need for a robust defense posture. "The international order is under threat from shifting power dynamics and geopolitical rivalries," she declared in parliament, pointing to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Middle East conflicts as catalysts for an early strategy overhaul.

With U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Tokyo on October 27-29, Takaichi faces pressure to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance, potentially increasing purchases of American weapons. She also expressed a desire for a "constructive and stable" relationship with China, despite her hawkish stance and controversial visits to Yasukuni Shrine, which could strain ties with Beijing.

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Takaichi's minority government, now allied with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, aims to expand the Self-Defense Forces' offensive capabilities and ease arms export restrictions. However, funding these ambitious plans remains unclear, and her administration must navigate opposition support to pass policies.

Domestically, Takaichi faces challenges like rising prices and stagnant wages. Her government plans to address labor shortages by welcoming foreign workers, but only those who "follow the rules." Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda will tighten regulations on foreigners and explore limits on land purchases, particularly by Chinese buyers, aligning with nationalist sentiments fueled by the far-right Sanseito party.

Despite a surge in foreign workers to support Japan's aging population, Takaichi addressed public concerns about "unlawful activities" by foreigners, denying accusations of xenophobia. Official data, however, shows declining crime rates among foreigners, even as their numbers grow.

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