Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | October 21, 2025

TOKYO – In a historic move that could reshape Japanese politics, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, paving the way for her likely ascension to the nation’s highest office. At 64, Takaichi, a former Economic Security Minister known for her hawkish stance on China and ultra-conservative views, is poised to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister, a watershed moment in a country grappling with persistent gender inequality.

Takaichi’s victory marks a significant departure for the male-dominated LDP, a party long associated with traditional values and conservative policies. While her admiration for Margaret Thatcher and frequent visits to the Yasukuni Shrine (a controversial symbol of Japan’s wartime past) have raised eyebrows, her election signals a potential shift in the party’s priorities as it seeks to regain public trust after recent electoral setbacks.

“This is a pivotal moment for Japan,” said political analyst Dr. Akari Sato. “Takaichi’s leadership could usher in a new era, but she faces the daunting task of uniting a divided party and addressing pressing domestic and international challenges.”

Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, son of a popular former Prime Minister, in a runoff vote, highlighting the LDP’s strategic calculation to appeal to conservative voters who have drifted towards emerging far-right groups. However, analysts caution that Takaichi will need to forge alliances with opposition parties to effectively govern and implement her policies.

Priorities and Challenges

Immediately after her election, Takaichi outlined her priorities, focusing on stemming rising prices and addressing critical diplomatic and security challenges. A key test will be navigating a potential summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to pressure Japan to increase its defense spending.

“Ensuring the strength of the Japan-U.S. alliance is my top diplomatic priority,” Takaichi stated, emphasizing the importance of trilateral cooperation with regional partners like South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines.

Domestically, Takaichi faces the formidable task of restoring voter confidence in the LDP, which has suffered significant losses in recent parliamentary elections. She supports increased fiscal spending for growth, a stronger military, and enhanced cybersecurity. However, her past controversial statements regarding foreigners have raised concerns about her inclusivity and ability to unite a diverse nation.

A New Chapter for Japan?

As Japan stands on the cusp of potentially electing its first female Prime Minister, the world is watching closely. Sanae Takaichi’s leadership will be defined by her ability to bridge divides, address pressing economic and security challenges, and navigate the complexities of international relations. Whether she can successfully steer Japan into a new era of prosperity and influence remains to be seen.