Sanae Takaichi first female Prime Minister of Japan
Japan has entered a new era in its political history. On October 21, 2025, the nation’s parliament voted to elect Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister. This landmark appointment broke a long-standing barrier in a country whose leadership has been overwhelmingly male. The vote came after she secured 237 out of 465 votes in the lower house, just enough to reach the majority threshold.
Takaichi, aged 64, stepped into power amid significant turbulence. Her party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), lost its long-time coalition partner, prompting a hurried alliance with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP) to secure her election. That alliance remains fragile and leaves her government in a minority position, which presents serious governance challenges ahead.
Her political identity is defined by ultraconservative views and strong nationalist leanings. A protégé of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has voiced support for revising Japan’s pacifist constitution, strengthening defence capabilities, and maintaining close ties with Taiwan—all positions that could strain relations with China. On social issues, she opposes same-sex marriage and separate surnames for married couples, and supports male-only succession in the imperial household.
Economically, Takaichi inherits a daunting landscape. Japan faces rising inflation, sluggish growth, and a mounting debt burden. Markets responded with optimism at the moment of her election—the Nikkei index reached a historic high—primarily due to hopes of increased government spending under her leadership. But analysts caution that the lack of a clear parliamentary majority may limit bold policy actions.
While her appointment marks a symbolic breakthrough for women in Japanese politics, many questions remain about the real impact. Japan consistently ranks low on gender equality indices, and Takaichi’s own record reflects ambivalence on promoting women’s rights. Her leadership may thus be historic in form, but uncertain in substance when it comes to gender reform.
As she takes office, Takaichi’s cabinet formation, legislative strategy, and response to both domestic and international pressures will be closely watched. The coming months will test whether this historic moment will translate into meaningful change or simply mark a new name at the helm of Japan’s long-standing political establishment.
