Japan has marked a historic milestone — the election of its first-ever female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. Her ascent to the country’s highest political office signals a major shift in a political landscape long dominated by men.
Born in Nara Prefecture, Takaichi’s journey to the top has been anything but conventional. The daughter of a police officer and a manufacturing worker, she graduated with a degree in business from Kobe University in 1984. Her early exposure to politics came during a U.S. congressional fellowship, where she worked under the late Pat Schroeder, a pioneering American feminist politician. That experience laid the foundation for her political ambitions.
Before entering politics, Takaichi briefly worked as a TV presenter. Her political career began in 1993, when she was elected as an independent. She joined the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in 1996, gradually rising through the ranks and forging a close political alliance with the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who mentored her and entrusted her with several high-profile cabinet positions.
Now 64, Takaichi’s road to leadership has been marked by persistence. She ran twice for the LDP’s top post — in 2021 and 2024 — falling short both times. This year, however, she secured 185 out of 341 votes, defeating party favorite and rising star Shinjiro Koizumi in the leadership contest.
Her victory comes at a turbulent time for the LDP, amid public discontent, corruption scandals, and recent electoral setbacks. Taking over from outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Takaichi acknowledged the weight of responsibility:
“Instead of celebrating, I know the real challenge starts now. I’ll strive to turn people’s anxieties into hope.”
While many celebrate her as a symbol of progress, others question her feminist credentials. A staunch conservative, Takaichi has publicly opposed same-sex marriage and legislation allowing women to retain their maiden names after marriage. Still, her appointment is undeniably historic in a country that currently ranks 118th in the world for gender equality.