Sanae Takaichi Poised to Break Ground as Japan's First Female Prime Minister

## Overview The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP; Jiyū-Minshutō) is Japan’s largest and most influential political party, having dominated the country’s political landscape for nearly seven decades since its founding in 1955[1][5][7]. As a conservative to moderate force, the LDP has shaped Japan’s post-war recovery, guided its transformation into a global economic powerhouse, and maintained a steadfast alliance with the United States[2][4][7]. The party’s broad appeal—encompassing both nationalist and progressive factions—allows it to adapt to shifting political and economic climates, much like major U.S. parties[4]. ## What the Organization Does The LDP’s core mission is to promote economic growth, national security, and social stability through policies that favor business, low taxes, and government support for industry[4][5]. It prioritizes a close relationship with the U.S., advocates for export-driven growth, and has historically resisted sweeping social reforms such as the legalization of same-sex marriage[1]. The party also supports constitutional revision to expand Japan’s military role internationally, reflecting evolving national security priorities[4]. ## History Formed in 1955 through the merger of the Liberal Party and the Japan Democratic Party, the LDP was created to counter the rising influence of socialist parties[3][6]. It quickly established itself as the dominant political force, overseeing Japan’s remarkable post-war economic recovery and industrialization[7]. The LDP’s uninterrupted rule from 1955 to 1993 was punctuated only by brief opposition-led governments in 1993–94 and 2009–12[2][7]. Its longevity is attributed not only to policy successes but also to a robust political machine built on patronage and close ties with business and agricultural interests[6]. ## Key Achievements Under LDP leadership, Japan became the world’s second-largest economy by the 198

## Overview The National Diet (Kokkai) is Japan’s national legislature and the cornerstone of its parliamentary democracy[1][4]. Established in its current form by the post-World War II Constitution in 1947, it replaced the Imperial Diet, which had operated since 1890 under the Meiji Constitution[1][7]. The Diet is a bicameral body, consisting of the House of Representatives (Shūgiin, the lower house) and the House of Councillors (Sangiin, the upper house), both directly elected by the public[1][4][5]. The Diet convenes in the iconic National Diet Building in Nagatachō, Tokyo, a structure completed in 1936 that symbolizes the nation’s democratic aspirations[1][6]. ## Functions and Powers The National Diet is Japan’s sole lawmaking body, responsible for passing legislation, approving the national budget, ratifying treaties, and formally designating the Prime Minister[1][4]. The House of Representatives, with 465 members serving up to four-year terms, holds greater legislative power—it can override decisions of the House of Councillors on most matters and plays a decisive role in selecting the Prime Minister and passing budget bills[4]. The House of Councillors, with 242 members elected to six-year terms (half elected every three years), acts as a stabilizing force, providing continuity and a long-term perspective, though its ability to block legislation is limited[4]. Both houses must cooperate to pass most laws, ensuring a system of checks and balances[4]. ## Historical Context Under the Meiji Constitution, the Imperial Diet was Japan’s first modern legislature, though its powers were constrained by the executive and the peerage-dominated upper house[2][5]. The post-war constitution transformed the Diet into the “highest organ of state power,” embedding it firmly within a democratic framework[4][7]. This shift marked a decisive break from Japan’s