
The Globalist Japan’s new prime minister, what’s next for Israel and Gaza and L’Oréal acquires Kering’s beauty portfolio
Oct 21, 2025
Geoffrey J. Hall, a Japanese politics expert, dives into the implications of Japan's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takechi, discussing her ultra-conservative policies and the tricky coalition landscape. Alex Szczerbiak analyzes the political fallout of recent Russian drone incursions in Poland, highlighting the fleeting sense of unity among parties. Charles Hecker reviews major news, including L’Oréal's acquisition of Kering’s beauty portfolio, pondering the effects of corporate consolidation on creativity in the industry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Historic First Female PM Faces Fragile Coalition
- Sanae Takechi became Japan's first female prime minister amid cautious public optimism and a fragile coalition.
- Her ultra‑conservative views on security and history may be tempered by moderate cabinet appointments.
Coalition Shift Removes Centrist Restraint
- The LDP lost its longtime partner Komeito and now relies on the right‑leaning Ishin party, leaving it short of a clear majority.
- That shift removes centrist restraints and makes security policy, like proposals for nuclear submarines, more likely.
Conservatism In Japan Is Security‑Centric
- Takechi's conservatism emphasizes hawkish security rhetoric and revisionist views on WWII.
- Only about 20–30% of Japanese share those extreme positions, so public backlash is possible.



