With Sanae Takaichi's resounding victory in the Lower House elections earlier this month, the prime minister has gained unprecedented political capital. How she spends it will define her prime ministership and she may very well be in a position to finally tackle some of the unresolved issues that are hindering Japan’s political system that must now be addressed.

I am calling out four: the role of religious organizations, corporations versus unions in our elections, the growing foreign interference in Japanese politics and the national election process.

There hasn’t been much visible debate on these issues precisely because they are somewhat taboo — and calling out such hypocrisy takes immense energy and political capital. Takaichi is in a position to move the needle here.

© The Japan Times