By 依田奏 - Own work
Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s new prime minister, making history as the first woman to ever hold the country’s highest political office.
The 64-year-old secured a commanding majority in both chambers of parliament on Tuesday — winning 237 votes in the powerful Lower House and another 125 in the Upper House — following her victory in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race.
A staunch conservative and admirer of the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi takes office at a turbulent moment, with Japan struggling to contain rising living costs and a frustrated public demanding change.
A Period of Political Instability
Takaichi’s ascent comes during a period of political volatility. She is Japan’s fourth prime minister in just five years — a reflection of how recent leaders have been brought down by corruption scandals and plummeting approval ratings.
Although she defeated four male rivals to win the LDP race earlier this month, her path to the top job was far from certain after the LDP’s longtime coalition partner, the Komeito party, withdrew its support.
However, a last-minute agreement with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP), also known as Ishin, secured her position. The LDP, now under her leadership, will next face the electorate in 2028.
Diplomatic Challenges Ahead
Beyond Japan’s domestic struggles, Takaichi inherits a series of complex diplomatic challenges.
Relations with South Korea — which had been gradually improving — could face renewed strain, as Seoul remains wary of Takaichi’s nationalist and conservative views. Meanwhile, she is also expected to take a firm stance on China, echoing the hawkish approach of her late political mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
But perhaps her most consequential relationship will be with the United States. Takaichi is set to meet US President Donald Trump next week — a key early test. Although both countries recently reached a new tariff agreement, Trump’s earlier remarks questioning the US-Japan security alliance and demanding greater Japanese defense spending have raised concerns in Tokyo. Takaichi will need to navigate these challenges carefully amid an unpredictable Washington.
The “Iron Lady” of Japanese Politics
Known for her disciplined and hardline political style, Takaichi has long been nicknamed Japan’s “Iron Lady,” a title that reflects her admiration for Thatcher.
A close ally of Abe, she has held multiple cabinet positions over her career and previously made unsuccessful bids for the premiership. She was chosen as LDP leader following the resignation of Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down after the party’s devastating losses in recent midterm elections.
Her rise marks a major milestone for Japan’s political landscape — though not everyone sees her victory as a triumph for women’s empowerment.
Divided Views on Gender and Reform
Despite the historic nature of her win, Takaichi’s deeply conservative social positions have drawn criticism, particularly from younger voters. She opposes same-sex marriage and resists calls to allow married women to retain their maiden surnames — positions many see as out of step with modern Japanese society.
“Everyone’s like, ‘Wow, she’s the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that’s a great opportunity for women’s empowerment,’” said 21-year-old student Ayda Ogura. “But if you look into her political beliefs and what she stands for, you realise that some of the things are very traditional. Instead of creating structural change, she rather perpetuates the patriarchal system.”
Nonetheless, during her campaign, Takaichi pledged to expand hospital services for women’s health and increase recognition for household support workers — signalling at least some willingness to address gendered economic issues.
Rebuilding Trust in the LDP
Takaichi’s immediate challenge will be to restore public confidence in the LDP, which has governed Japan for most of the past seven decades but is now struggling with internal scandals and voter disillusionment.
Under Ishiba, the party lost its majority in the Lower House for the first time in 15 years, followed by another setback in the Upper House in July amid public anger over a fundraising controversy.
By electing Takaichi, the LDP hopes to win back conservative supporters who have drifted toward the far-right Sanseito party in frustration with the political establishment.
Economic Pressures and Market Reaction
Japan’s economic woes remain at the forefront of public concern. Soaring prices — including a record surge in the cost of rice due to shortages — have fuelled public discontent and placed immense pressure on the new leader.
Local media reports suggest Takaichi may appoint Satsuki Katayama as finance minister, marking another possible milestone as the first woman to hold that post. Katayama, like Takaichi, is considered a protégé of Abe and is expected to support her conservative fiscal vision.
Despite ongoing anxiety over Japan’s ballooning national debt and sluggish growth, Takaichi’s election appears to have injected cautious optimism into financial markets. Investors are watching closely to see whether her leadership can bring stability and renewed confidence to the world’s fourth-largest economy.
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