Takaichi: The Japanese Prime Minister America Has Been Waiting For

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But Takaichi has already taken a firm approach toward China following Beijing's latest tantrum after she reasonably noted Taiwan is important to Japan's national security when asked about Taiwan in the Diet by a politician with family business ties to China.

Takaichi has not backed down or made conciliatory gestures toward China of the sort that would indicate Japan had done something wrong.

If she wins big, Takaichi will be even less likely to cave to Chinese intimidation.

Beijing deserves credit for increasing Takaichi's popularity and letting her demonstrate firm leadership so soon after taking office. The Japanese public (far more“anti-China” and pro-defense than is Japan's political class) has always responded well to strong, well-articulated leadership – on the rare occasions when the people are exposed to it.

Takaichi is already looking after Japan's interests by improving national defense and economic security, and also bolstering the US-Japan alliance while linking up with other free nations to strengthen overall defense.

What Takaichi is doing is prudent and common sense. It is not confrontational – though to Beijing defending oneself against Chinese pressure is being“confrontational.”

Will China re-engage with Japan?

Maybe eventually. But not soon. Instead, it will keep attacking Takaichi with vile language, trying to stoke regional fears of (imaginary) Japanese“militarism,” and also pressuring Japan via the People's Liberation Army Navy, Coast Guard, maritime militia and fishing boats constantly intruding in Japan's maritime territory.

The Chinese communists will also try to split the US-Japan alliance, though likely with little success.

Indeed, Takaichi understands that Japan's strategic interests depend on a close relationship with America. Like former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she realizes that, without the United States, Japan cannot adequately defend itself or its interests against Chinese aggression.

Fortunately, Japanese and American geopolitical interests also generally correspond, and the Japanese public broadly supports the US-Japan defense treaty.

Takaichi has plenty to do defense-wise, but she's doing it.