Sanae Takaichi Elected as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister
In a historic moment for Japan, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the nation's first female prime minister. On October 21, 2025, lawmakers in parliament voted to appoint her as the 104th prime minister, marking a significant breakthrough in the country's political landscape. Takaichi, a hardline conservative and leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, secured the position after winning the lower house vote with 237 out of 465 ballots, surpassing the required majority. She replaces Shigeru Ishiba, whose brief tenure ended amid a three-month political vacuum following the Liberal Democratic Party's challenging election results.
Takaichi's rise to power comes after she navigated a fragmented political environment. Her party formed a new coalition with the Japan Innovation Party to ensure a stable government. This alliance aims to address pressing issues such as economic growth, national security, and domestic reforms. Supporters across Japan, particularly in her home prefecture of Nara, have celebrated the achievement, viewing it as a source of pride and a step forward for the nation.
Born in 1961, Takaichi has built a long career in politics, starting as a member of the House of Representatives since 1993. She is known for her close ties to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, under whom she served in various cabinet roles, including as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications. Her political philosophy emphasizes conservative values, including opposition to same-sex marriage and support for traditional family structures where couples share a surname. She has also advocated for protecting Japanese heritage and has expressed concerns that excessive immigration could destabilize society.
On foreign policy, Takaichi takes a firm stance against China, criticizing practices like intellectual property theft and pushing for reduced economic dependence on Beijing. She supports revising Article 9 of Japan's constitution, which renounces war, to allow for a stronger military posture. Domestically, she promotes continuing Abenomics policies, focusing on fiscal expansion, monetary easing, and structural reforms to prioritize growth over strict fiscal consolidation.
An interesting personal aspect of Takaichi is her passion for heavy metal music. A fan of bands like Iron Maiden, she has even played drums in public performances, adding a unique layer to her public persona. This improbable background has drawn attention, contrasting with her serious political image.
Her election occurs against the backdrop of Japan's low ranking in global gender equality indexes, at 125th out of 146 countries in 2024. While her leadership breaks a glass ceiling in politics, some observers note that her conservative views may not advance broader women's rights, such as allowing female succession to the imperial throne or easing gender-based policies.
Looking ahead, Takaichi faces immediate challenges, including a potential visit from U.S. President Donald Trump, managing a creaky coalition, and tackling a cost-of-living crisis. Her administration plans to appoint key figures, such as a senior lawmaker to the finance minister role, to drive economic plans forward. With cross-party alliances in place, her government seeks to overcome internal divisions and external pressures to lead Japan toward stability and progress.
Takaichi's journey includes notable past actions, such as exposing opposition plans in 2010 to grant voting rights to foreigners, which forced a policy reversal. More recently, she launched her leadership campaign on an anti-immigration platform, stressing the need to deport those staying illegally and reject fraudulent refugee claims. These positions have solidified her support among nationalists, including membership in the Nippon Kaigi organization.
As Japan enters this new era under its first female prime minister, the focus remains on how Takaichi will balance conservative traditions with modern demands, ensuring the protection of citizens' livelihoods and the nation's peace amid global uncertainties.