In a landmark event, Sanae Takaichi, 64, was elected as Japan’s first woman prime minister on October 21, 2025, by the National Diet. She secured 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house and a slim majority in the upper house. Takaichi, from Nara Prefecture, won the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race by defeating Shinjirō Koizumi with 185 votes in the runoff. This victory ends decades of male dominance in Japanese politics, where women hold only 10% of parliamentary seats.
A protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is known for her ultraconservative views. She admires Margaret Thatcher and often wears blue suits in her honor. Her career began in 1993 when she entered parliament as an independent before joining the LDP in 1996. She has served as minister for internal affairs, economic security, and gender equality. Interestingly, in college, she played drums in a heavy metal band and enjoys bands like Deep Purple and Iron Maiden.
Takaichi leads a minority government after forming a coalition with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, following the end of the 26-year LDP-Komeito alliance. Her cabinet includes just two women: Satsuki Katayama as finance minister and Kimi Onoda for economic security. Priorities include tackling inflation, which hit 3% in 2025, and addressing Japan’s 230% GDP public debt. She plans a ¥13.9 trillion ($92 billion) stimulus package focused on growth industries like AI and semiconductors, plus investments in energy and food security.
Geopolitically, Takaichi pushes for stricter immigration and a tough stance on China. She met U.S. President Donald Trump on October 27, reaffirming the alliance amid regional tensions. Japan pledged $550 billion in U.S. investments for lower tariffs. Domestically, she aims to revise the constitution, raise the tax-free income threshold, and boost small businesses with local grants. Her election boosts gender equality hopes, though Japan ranks 125th globally in the World Economic Forum’s index. With 1% GDP growth and a demographic crisis—birth rate at 1.2—Takaichi’s leadership will test her “responsible proactive fiscal policy.”
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
- Who is Sanae Takaichi?
Sanae Takaichi, 64, is an ultraconservative LDP politician from Nara, elected Japan’s first female PM on October 21, 2025. She admires Margaret Thatcher and has held key ministerial roles since 1993. - What challenges does she face as PM?
Takaichi leads a minority government dealing with 3% inflation, 230% GDP debt, and low growth. She must rebuild trust post-scandal and navigate China tensions while pushing economic stimulus. - What are her key policies?
Her plans include a ¥13.9 trillion stimulus for AI and security, stricter immigration, constitutional revision, and U.S. alliance strengthening. She prioritizes inflation control and small business support.