Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister after securing a decisive parliamentary victory on October 21, 2025. The 64-year-old leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 in the Upper House, marking a significant milestone in a country that has never before had a woman in its highest office. Her election comes during a period of economic uncertainty for the world’s fourth-largest economy, as Japan faces rising living costs and public dissatisfaction. Takaichi becomes Japan’s fourth prime minister in just five years, following predecessors whose terms were cut short by scandals and plummeting approval ratings.
Takaichi’s path to power faced significant obstacles when the LDP’s longtime coalition partner Komeito withdrew support, but a last-minute alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party secured her position. Domestically, she inherits a challenging economic landscape while internationally she must navigate complex relationships with key neighbors. South Korea has grown wary due to her nationalist leanings, and she maintains a hawkish stance toward China similar to her political mentor, the late Shinzo Abe. Most crucially, she faces an immediate test in managing relations with the United States, particularly with an upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump where defense spending and security treaties will be key discussion points.
Known as Japan’s „Iron Lady” for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi brings deeply conservative views to the office that have generated mixed reactions. Her opposition to same-sex marriage and resistance to allowing married women to keep their maiden names has led some young women to question whether her historic appointment truly represents progress for gender equality. Despite these concerns, Takaichi has proposed policy initiatives focused on women’s health services and greater recognition for household support workers during her campaign. As she prepares to lead until the next scheduled election in 2028, Takaichi must balance her traditional values with the expectations that accompany her groundbreaking achievement as Japan’s first female prime minister.
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