In a historic moment for Japan, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the country’s first female Prime Minister, marking a new chapter in the nation’s political history. Her election on Tuesday by Japan’s Parliament comes after months of political uncertainty that followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Takaichi, 64, a senior leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), replaces Ishiba after the party’s poor performance in the July general elections, which left Japan without a stable government for nearly three months. Her rise to the top post comes as part of an alliance between the LDP and the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai), led by Hirofumi Yoshimura.
Takaichi won 237 votes in Parliament — just four more than the required majority — defeating Yoshiko Noda, leader of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), who received 149 votes. Following the announcement, Takaichi stood up and bowed deeply, a gesture of humility that signaled both gratitude and resolve. 
Speaking shortly after her election, she emphasized the need for unity and political calm. “Political stability is essential right now,” Takaichi said at the coalition signing ceremony with Yoshimura. “Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”
The formation of the new coalition marks a significant shift in Japanese politics. The LDP’s decades-long partnership with the Buddhist-backed Komeito Party came to an end earlier this year, after disagreements over corruption scandals and policy differences. Komeito, which has traditionally played a moderating role in the government, criticized Takaichi’s right-wing views and the LDP’s handling of recent political controversies.
By joining hands with the Japan Innovation Party, Takaichi has taken the LDP further to the right — a move that some analysts believe could change Japan’s domestic and foreign policy direction. However, the new alliance remains short of a clear majority in both houses of Parliament, meaning Takaichi will need to seek support from smaller opposition groups to pass important bills.
Yoshimura, the leader of Ishin no Kai, said his party would not immediately take ministerial posts in Takaichi’s Cabinet. “We want to build trust first and see how the partnership develops,” he said.
Takaichi faces a long list of challenges as she takes office. She must quickly prepare a major policy speech later this week, hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, and attend regional summits — all while addressing growing public frustration over rising prices and a sluggish economy.
Her government is expected to introduce new economic measures by December to boost consumer confidence and ease inflationary pressure. However, given her party’s weakened position in Parliament and her coalition’s uncertain strength, passing such measures could prove difficult.
Despite becoming Japan’s first woman to lead the government, Takaichi has not prioritized gender equality or diversity in her political agenda. Known for her conservative stance, she has often opposed policies aimed at improving women’s representation in politics or promoting social reforms such as same-sex marriage and allowing married couples to use separate surnames.
Sanae Takaichi has been a prominent figure in Japanese politics for more than three decades. First elected to Parliament in 1993, she has held several key posts, including Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of Economic Security. A close ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she is often described as his protégé and is expected to follow many of his policies — particularly his vision for a stronger military and a revised pacifist constitution.
Takaichi has also openly admired former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, often calling her an inspiration. Her leadership style, marked by discipline and strong convictions, has earned her the nickname “Japan’s Iron Lady.”
