Sanae Takaichi Wins Historic Vote To Become Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister

Japan entered a new era of leadership as Sanae Takaichi of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was formally elected the nation’s 104th Prime Minister on October 21, 2025, making history as the first woman leader in a country where politics has long been dominated by men. The 64-year-old staunch conservative leader is known as the island nation's 'Iron Lady'. She came into power after entering a coalition deal with the Japan Innovation Party.

In her first speech as PM, she said, “I will keep my promises. We can only rebuild by reuniting every generation and with everybody's participation. Because there are only a few of us, I ask everybody to work; Work like a horse. I myself will cast aside the idea of work-life balance. I'll work, work, work, work, and work."

Who is Sanae Takaichi?

Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961, Takaichi’s journey to Japan’s top post has been anything but conventional. A former heavy-metal drummer and motorcycle enthusiast, she entered the House of Representatives in 1993 and went on to serve as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and Minister of State for Economic Security. Her rise reflects decades of persistence within a party known for its male-dominated hierarchy.

Yet, her ascent also brings Japan’s ideological divisions into sharp focus. Takaichi is a staunch conservative known for her nationalist and traditionalist views. She supports revising Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution—which limits the nation’s military role—to strengthen national defence amid regional tensions.

She advocates for restarting nuclear power, opposes same-sex marriage, and rejects the idea of female succession to the imperial throne. These positions have earned her support from right-wing groups but have sparked debate among progressives, who hope her election would signal broader social reform.

Women in Japan's politics

Despite her historic win, Takaichi faces an uphill task in addressing Japan’s gender gap. Women make up only 15.7% of lawmakers in the Lower House, and Japan ranks 118th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index—behind nations like Senegal and Angola.

Although she pledged to create a cabinet with “Nordic-level gender balance,” her newly formed government includes only two female ministers, raising questions about her commitment to women’s representation.

Politically, Takaichi inherits a fragile coalition. The LDP, having lost its long-time partner Komeito, now depends on the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) to maintain a working majority. The alliance, however, lacks solid stability, which could challenge her ability to pass major reforms.

Economically, Takaichi faces a daunting agenda. Japan continues to struggle with stagnant growth, an ageing population, and a shrinking workforce. Her policy priorities include income tax cuts and direct cash payouts to households aimed at stimulating spending.

She also emphasises stronger national security and closer ties with the United States, while taking a firmer stance toward China’s regional assertiveness—moves that have already drawn close international attention.

Sanae Takaichi’s leadership embodies both progress and paradox. Her rise shatters a political glass ceiling that stood unbroken for over seven decades, yet her deeply conservative philosophy contrasts with the feminist symbolism her position represents.

Supporters hail her as a decisive leader capable of revitalising Japan’s economy and national pride, while critics fear her tenure could reinforce traditional hierarchies rather than reform them.

As Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Takaichi’s tenure will test whether symbolic milestones can translate into substantive change. Her leadership begins not just as a moment of celebration, but as a defining measure of how far Japan is willing to evolve.