Japan has officially appointed its first-ever female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, marking a historic moment in the nation’s political landscape.
The 64-year-old conservative leader and outspoken critic of China was confirmed by Japan’s lower house of parliament on Tuesday after narrowly securing a majority in the first round of voting.
The upper house later endorsed her appointment in a runoff vote. Takaichi will formally assume office following an audience with the emperor.
Her appointment comes just weeks after she emerged as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on October 4, following a tightly contested internal election.
However, political turbulence quickly followed when the Komeito party, citing discomfort with Takaichi’s conservative ideology and a recent party funding scandal, withdrew from their long-standing coalition with the LDP.
To stabilize her leadership, Takaichi struck a last-minute alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP) on Monday.
The JIP, which advocates lower taxes on food, a ban on corporate donations, and cuts to parliamentary seats, is expected to play a key role in her minority government.
Takaichi, often described as a protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has pledged to “strengthen Japan’s economy and prepare the nation for future generations.”
A former heavy metal drummer and admirer of former British leader Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is known for her strong will and traditionalist values.
Supporters in her hometown of Nara describe her as “firm but fair,” while others hope her leadership will usher in a new era of gender inclusion.
Japan continues to rank low in global gender equality — 118th out of 148 countries, according to the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report. Only about 15 percent of Japan’s lower house lawmakers are women.
Takaichi has promised to assemble a cabinet with a higher proportion of women, drawing inspiration from “Nordic” gender balance standards.
Reports suggest that prominent figures like Satsuki Katayama and Kimi Onoda may feature in key economic positions.
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While she has openly discussed issues affecting women, including menopause and workplace reintegration, Takaichi has also upheld conservative stances — opposing changes to laws mandating shared surnames for married couples and maintaining male-only succession in the imperial family.
Her government faces immediate challenges, including an upcoming visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, negotiations over a $500 billion trade investment deal, and pressure to cut Russian energy imports while increasing defense spending.
Political analysts note that Takaichi’s minority government will need to rely on cross-party cooperation to pass legislation.
Her economic policies are expected to reflect “Abenomics” — aggressive monetary easing and fiscal stimulus — while she balances Japan’s relationship with major global powers.
Despite her conservative leanings, Takaichi recently softened her tone toward China, avoiding her usual visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine that honors Japan’s war dead.
As Japan navigates economic stagnation and population decline, many citizens remain cautiously optimistic. “I just hope she can make Japan a more livable place for women,” said Keiko Yoshida, a company worker in Nara.