A candidate who secures a majority becomes a party leader. Sanae Takaichi, 64 : A protégée of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi lost to Ishiba last year in the runoff. If elected, Takaichi, an ex-newscaster whose role model is former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, will be Japan's first female prime minister. While still uncertain, cooperation between the ruling coalition and key opposition focusing on security is possible and could contribute to political stability. Koizumi has approached Ishin and in August visited Osaka Expo, where he was escorted by party leader and Osaka Gov.