By M10News International Desk | October 22, 2025
Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister after winning a clear majority in both houses of parliament, marking a defining moment for the nation’s politics and gender representation.
The 64-year-old leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 in the Upper House, formally taking office on Tuesday. Her rise comes at a time of deep public frustration over Japan’s economic stagnation, rising living costs, and a growing sense of political fatigue.
Takaichi, a staunch conservative and long-time admirer of the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, assumes power as Japan’s fourth leader in just five years. Her predecessors’ terms were marred by declining approval ratings and political scandals that eroded trust in the ruling party.
A Surprise Comeback
Although she defeated four male contenders to win the LDP leadership in early October, her path to the premiership appeared uncertain when the LDP’s traditional coalition partner, the centrist Komeito party, withdrew its support.
However, a last-minute alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) revived her prospects and secured her parliamentary majority.
The coalition deal gives her administration breathing space until the next general election in 2028.
Foreign Policy Challenges Await
Beyond Japan’s domestic challenges, Takaichi faces a complex geopolitical landscape. Relations with South Korea, which had only recently begun to recover from years of tension, could again face strain due to her nationalist leanings.
Her stance on defence and security mirrors that of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe assertive and hawkish toward China, whose growing military presence in the region remains a major concern for Tokyo.
But perhaps her most significant test lies with the United States. A meeting with US President Donald Trump is scheduled for next week, where trade, tariffs, and defence contributions are expected to dominate talks. Trump’s past comments questioning Japan’s financial commitment to joint defence arrangements have created unease within Tokyo’s political establishment.
“Iron Lady” of Japan
A veteran lawmaker and close ally of Abe, Takaichi has held several ministerial portfolios, including Internal Affairs and Communications. Her tough leadership style and ideological convictions have earned her the nickname “Japan’s Iron Lady”.
Yet her social policies are deeply conservative. She opposes same-sex marriage and supports maintaining Japan’s current system requiring married couples to share one surname, a position that has drawn criticism from younger voters and women’s rights advocates.
“Everyone says this is a great moment for women’s empowerment,” said 21-year-old student Ayda Ogura in Tokyo. “But if you look into her views, she supports the traditional family structure. It feels like a name change only.”
Restoring Trust in the LDP
Takaichi’s most urgent task is rebuilding public trust in the LDP, which has governed Japan for most of the past seven decades but is now battling falling popularity.
The party suffered significant setbacks under former leader Shigeru Ishiba, losing its lower house majority for the first time in 15 years and then losing the upper house in July after a fundraising scandal.
Analysts say the LDP hopes Takaichi’s leadership will consolidate conservative voters who have drifted toward far-right alternatives such as the Sanseito party.
Economic Pressures Mount
At home, Japan faces an economy struggling with high inflation, a shrinking workforce, and a deepening rice shortage that has driven staple food prices to record levels.
Takaichi is reportedly considering appointing Satsuki Katayama, another prominent female conservative and Abe protégé, as finance minister. If confirmed, Katayama would become the first woman to hold that post, reinforcing Takaichi’s pledge to build an “inclusive but disciplined” government.
Market analysts say her election has already sparked cautious optimism in Tokyo’s financial circles, despite concerns over Japan’s mounting public debt and slow growth.
For many, however, her leadership represents more than policy promises — it marks a historic test of whether Japan, after decades of male-dominated rule, is ready to embrace a woman at the very top.
M10News International Desk | Contact: newsroom@m10news.com
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