Sanae Takaichi, the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is expected to become Japan’s next Prime Minister.
Her appointment has drawn attention both for its symbolism and for her policy record. Known for her firmly conservative positions, she has long opposed policies promoting gender equality, such as allowing married couples to keep separate surnames or permitting female succession to the Imperial Throne.
Many people welcome her rise as historic—the first woman to reach Japan’s top political post. Others focus on her political stance rather than her gender, describing her as strong and decisive. Yet both Japanese and non-Japanese residents express concern about what her leadership could mean for Japan’s social direction and immigration policies.
One example drawing attention was her remark about foreigners “kicking sacred deer in Nara.” She cited it to call for stricter immigration laws and stronger penalties for those “who can’t follow the rules.” The comment spread widely online and has raised anxiety among foreign residents.
To understand these reactions, I spoke with several long-term foreign residents in Japan—teachers, business owners, consultants, and artists—living in cities from Kyoto to Kawasaki. They share different backgrounds and opinions but a common interest in what Takaichi’s leadership might bring for Japan’s future.
Rochelle Kopp – Consultant, 40 years in Japan
Business consultant Rochelle Kopp has spent decades working with Japanese companies. Her reaction to Takaichi is mixed.
“There are a lot of her policy stances I don’t agree with,” she says. “She’s against having a female emperor, against letting women keep their names when they marry, and that deer-kicking speech, which she used to frame a total immigration policy overhaul, was a bit much.”
But Rochelle also sees something positive.
“She has promised to revise what she called the ‘warped’ subsidy system that encourages mega solar projects in the countryside. I care about environmental issues, so I’m hopeful she will keep that promise.”
Rochelle is taking a wait-and-see approach. She’s trying to stay open-minded, eased by an unexpected connection.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing rock drums. My husband bought me a drum pad after I mentioned it. I haven’t had time to play seriously, but I found out Takaichi is a good rock drummer too—and a Deep Purple fan like me. It made her feel more human.”
Still, she’s watching closely.
“It sounds like she might bring back politicians involved in the funding scandal. I really hope she doesn’t do that.”
David McNeil – Professor, 25 years in Japan
Professor and former journalist David McNeil has followed Japanese politics for more than two decades. He sees Takaichi’s rise as part of a larger political shift.
“For most ordinary Japanese, views like hers matter less than bread-and-butter issues,” he says. “The LDP has always had ideological obsessions and corruption, but voters tolerated it because of strong economic management.”
That tolerance, he says, is fading.
“As the economy weakens—falling wages, rising rice prices—some voters are moving toward the right. Takaichi’s appeal to the populist wing reflects internal party debates.”
David sees her as part of the LDP’s struggle to balance hard-right and traditional conservative views.
“She represents the hard-right wing. Some in that group believe blaming foreigners will fix Japan’s problems. But for most Japanese, foreigners are not the issue. The economy, jobs, income gaps, and China are bigger concerns.”
Isaiah Powers – Streamer, 15 years in Japan
Streamer and entertainer Isaiah Powers shares his life in Japan with viewers around the world. He lives in Kawasaki and has been in Japan for 15 years. His first reaction to Takaichi was excitement.
“Just having a female Prime Minister feels historic,” he says. “My wife said she gave a better speech than Koizumi, so I posted about it on Instagram.”
But the mood changed quickly.
“I got a lot of comments from fellow foreigners. They were worried about her policies and anti-foreigner feelings. Then I started hearing ‘Trump in a dress.’ I couldn’t stop thinking about deportation or home searches.”
When he looked up the "sacred deer" comment, he saw it as part of a bigger issue.
“She wants to punish foreigners who kick deer, right? That fits with the frustration around over-tourism. Some tourists don’t know how to act. But I think most Japanese people can tell who’s a tourist and who’s a resident.”
He’s not feeling direct pressure yet, but he sees signs.
“It’s mostly headlines. But my customers are talking more about immigration—especially Chinese and Indian residents.”
His advice to others is clear.
“I don’t recommend moving to Japan now. It’s not the opportunity it was 15 years ago. With the exchange rate and work-life balance, it’s better to visit a few times a year than struggle to live here.”
Maurice Shelton – CEO, 11 years in Japan
CEO Maurice Shelton works to support immigrant communities and build business networks in Japan. He lives in Kawasaki and is originally from College Park, Georgia. He’s focused on building community and staying prepared.
“Takaichi’s rise hasn’t changed my sense of belonging,” he says. “I’m carving out space for immigrants and global citizens. Solidarity is the only thing that’ll keep us afloat.”
He doesn’t celebrate symbolic milestones.
“I won’t praise someone just because she might be the first female Prime Minister.Instead of being a proper LDP leader, she distracts people from the real issues. Sadly, she uses the same distraction that ultraconservative right-wing extremist like Sanseito uses: foreigners living in Japan."
His advice is direct.
“Make sure your money’s right before you come. Japan isn’t exempt from global trends like austerity and nationalism. Buckle up and lock in.”
Jen Louise Teeter – Educator, Kyoto, 23 years in Japan
Kyoto-based educator Jen Louise Teeter often speaks out on social issues. She’s aware of Japan’s conservative leanings and isn’t surprised by Takaichi’s views.
“Her stance on family law, opposing separate surnames, and on LGBTQ+ issues worries me,” she says. “If she pushes policies that restrict rights, I’d be fearful for my friends and family.”
But Jen also shows empathy.
“How else do you rise in a conservative society as a woman without towing the line and working nonstop?”
She sees the “sacred deer” comment as strategic.
“It’s a clever way to appeal to emotion and tradition before moving into tougher topics like immigration reform. But concern about tourists can easily turn into anti-foreigner talk. I’ve seen Japanese people behave badly too.”
Living in Kyoto, often the center of many of the over-tourism complaints,v Jen feels the pressure to show respect.
“In the first few seconds of meeting someone, I need to show I respect the culture and can speak Japanese. That can feel like a lot. But I also know I can help shift assumptions.”
She’s not afraid, but she’s aware.
“My daily life isn’t affected, but I see fear growing among foreign friends. I want to connect through optimism, not fear. But people are trusting sound bites on social media more than real conversations. That worries me.”
Her closing thought is about pride.
“Japan can be proud of its culture while also respecting people who are different. That kind of pride comes from confidence, not from comparing itself to others”
Jake Adelstein – Investigative Journalist, 30+ years in Japan
Investigative journalist Jake Adelstein has covered Japanese politics and crime for more than 30 years. His response to Takaichi is blunt, referencing her associations and past statements that have drawn controversy in the media.
“She’s a woman who is openly opposed to gender equality. That alone is disappointing. But what makes it worse is that she’s clearly a puppet of former Prime Minister Taro Aso—a man who once seemed to admire the Nazi playbook.”
Jake points to her early praise for a book titled Hitler’s Election Strategy and her political ties to controversial groups, including the Unification Church.
“She has never sincerely apologized for endorsing that book. Her worldview is clear. She sows division, trades in fear, and seems devoid of empathy.”
He also raises concerns about the LDP’s proposed Emergency Powers Act, which, according to critics, would give the Cabinet temporary, law-making authority during a national emergency without prior Diet approval.
“It’s not constitutional reform—it’s a roadmap for authoritarian takeover.”
Jake’s voice is different from the others. It’s not cautious or reflective. It’s urgent. He sees Takaichi’s rise as a threat to democracy, not just a shift in leadership.
Final Thoughts
The residents interviewed for this article express a wide range of views—some hopeful, others cautious or concerned. What they share is a long-term commitment to life in Japan and a deep awareness that national policy changes can directly affect their daily realities.
Their voices reflect how closely Japan’s foreign community is watching Takaichi’s next steps, particularly on social and immigration issues. For many, these debates are not abstract political arguments but matters that shape their ability to work, raise families, and contribute as part of Japan’s society.
As Japan faces demographic decline and ongoing economic pressure, the relationship between national identity and its international residents will likely define the coming era. These residents are not bystanders. They are part of the society navigating that change.
