Will Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, lead the country into a new era or deepen political turmoil?
In a momentous step for Japanese politics, veteran lawmaker Sanae Takaichi secured 237 out of 465 votes in the lower house of the Japanese Diet to become the country’s first female prime minister. Her ascent comes after her ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), struck a crucial coalition deal with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (often referred to as Ishin) following the abrupt exit of long-time junior partner Komeito.
Takaichi’s victory not only breaks a glass ceiling in a country notorious for its lack of women in top leadership roles but also signals a sharp turn toward a more conservative, security-focused agenda. A protégé of former prime minister Shinzo Abe and an admirer of the late British leader Margaret Thatcher, she has pledged to revive Japan’s economic strength, tighten immigration rules, and enhance the nation’s defence capabilities.
While the symbolism of her achievement is undeniable, the foundations of her government remain fragile. The new coalition lacks an outright majority in both houses of parliament, leaving Takaichi’s administration reliant on smaller parties or independent legislators to pass legislation. She herself acknowledged the need for stability, declaring at her inauguration: “Political stability is essential right now. Without it, we cannot push through measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”
Domestically, Takaichi inherits a daunting agenda. Japan is grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, demographic challenges tied to an ageing population, and mounting inflation. Analysts note that while she speaks often of bold reform, her policy platform is heavy on defence and immigration restrictions — but less clear on broad social reform or gender equality, even as she occupies a historic first.onald Trump is imminent, and she is set to make her international debut at an APEC summit in South Korea. Given her hawkish stance and ties to nationalist elements, regional tensions—especially with China and South Korea—loom large.
Political commentators have been unusually blunt: “Takaichi will be overly constrained by the transactional nature of her coalition,” warns one. “There is no room for her true colours to shine. All she can do is seek cooperation on each policy.”
Her rise comes after the LDP lost the support of Komeito, which ended a 26-year partnership, triggering the scramble for new allies and setting up Takaichi’s election path. Despite her conservative credentials, she opted to downplay some contentious issues during her leadership bid — notably skipping a planned visit to the war-shrine Yasukuni Shrine, apparently to avoid inflaming relations with neighbouring countries.
In short: Japan has its first female leader, but whether this marks the beginning of a new era or merely a new chapter in the old one remains to be seen. For now, Takaichi inherits both a historic role and a high-stakes challenge – and the world is watching.
FAQ Section
1. Who is Sanae Takaichi and why is her appointment historic?
Takaichi is a senior LDP figure who, after winning the party leadership, became Japan’s first female prime minister.
2. What coalition supports her government and what is its strength?
Her government is backed by a coalition between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party, yet their combined seats still fall short of a solid majority.
3. What are her main policy priorities?
Key priorities include economic revitalisation, increased defence spending, tighter immigration controls, and constitutional revision.
4. What are the immediate challenges she faces?
She faces a fragile parliamentary base, soaring living costs, a rapidly ageing population, and heightened diplomatic tensions.
5. Does her appointment signal major change for gender equality in Japan?
While symbolic, analysts caution that her policies and stances do not align with broad gender-equality reform, making this more complex than a simple breakthrough.