Sanae Takaichi makes history as Japan’s first female prime minister

Sanae Takaichi has made history as Japan’s first female prime minister after being elected by parliament on Tuesday.

The 64-year-old secured a decisive victory, earning 237 votes in the powerful Lower House and 125 in the Upper House, following her election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

A staunch conservative often compared to former UK leader Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi assumes office at a time of economic strain, as Japan faces rising living costs and growing public frustration. Her leadership also marks another period of transition for the world’s fourth-largest economy, which has seen four prime ministers in just five years due to political scandals and declining approval ratings.

Takaichi’s path to power was far from certain. Although she defeated four male rivals to win the LDP leadership in early October, her chances appeared slim after the party’s coalition partner, Komeito, withdrew its support. However, a last-minute alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) secured her position. The LDP and Ishin are expected to face the electorate next in 2028.

On the global stage, Takaichi faces complex diplomatic challenges. Her conservative and nationalist leanings have drawn cautious reactions from South Korea, which had only recently improved ties with Japan. She is also viewed as hawkish toward China, echoing the stance of her late mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Perhaps most crucial will be Japan’s relationship with the United States. Takaichi is set to meet US President Donald Trump next week amid concerns over security and trade. Although both countries have reached a tariff agreement, Trump’s previous comments questioning the security treaty and demanding higher defense contributions from Japan have raised uncertainty about future cooperation.

A veteran lawmaker and close ally of Abe, Takaichi has held several ministerial posts over her career and had previously sought the premiership. Her leadership bid followed the resignation of former LDP head and prime minister Shigeru Ishiba after heavy election losses.

Nicknamed Japan’s “Iron Lady,” Takaichi is known for her conservative stance on social issues, including opposition to same-sex marriage and to allowing married women to retain their maiden names—positions that have sparked debate among younger generations.

“People are celebrating her as the first female prime minister,” said 21-year-old student Ayda Ogura. “But when you look at her policies, many of them reinforce, rather than challenge, traditional gender roles.”

During her campaign, Takaichi pledged to improve women’s healthcare services and increase recognition for domestic and care workers.

Her immediate challenge, however, lies in restoring public trust in the LDP. The party has dominated Japanese politics for most of the past seven decades but recently suffered major setbacks, losing its majority in both houses of parliament following fundraising scandals and economic discontent.

Takaichi is expected to name Satsuki Katayama—another prominent conservative and Abe ally—as finance minister, which would mark another milestone for women in Japan’s political leadership.

Despite concerns over Japan’s high debt and slow growth, markets responded positively to Takaichi’s election, signaling cautious optimism about her ability to bring stability and direction to the nation’s politics and economy.

Source Video: DW News