Japan’s parliament on Tuesday elected Sanae Takaichi, the 63-year-old leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as the nation’s 104th prime minister, making her the first woman to hold the office. Takaichi, a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, secured 237 votes in the Lower House, forming a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party to ensure a parliamentary majority. She replaces Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned amid scandals and mounting economic challenges.
In her first address, Takaichi pledged bold economic reforms to combat inflation and a weakening yen, while reaffirming Japan’s commitment to its alliance with the United States amid rising regional tensions.
Early Life & Unique Background
Takaichi comes from a relatively non-political family. Her father worked for an automotive company affiliated with Toyota, and her mother served in the local police in Nara. Despite academic ability (she was eligible for top private universities in Tokyo), her parents didn’t support sending her away for education (they were reluctant to support costs if she left home). So she commuted long hours to attend Kobe University. Before entering full-time politics, she worked as a legislative aide, commentator, and broadcaster.
- In the late 1980s, she spent time in the U.S. as a congressional fellow in the office of U.S. Representative Pat Schroeder. This exposure helped broaden her international view.
- In her youth, she had some rather unconventional interests for a future conservative politician: she played drums in a heavy‑metal band and was a motorcycle rider.
Political Career & Offices Held
Over the years, Takaichi has held several significant governmental and party roles:
- Minister of State for Internal Affairs & Communications — a key administrative and local government role in Japan.
- Minister of State for Economic (Security) Affairs under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (2022–2024).
- She has also chaired LDP policy committees and played a central role in the party’s internal structuring and strategy.
- Takaichi made earlier attempts to become LDP leader:
- In 2021, she contested the LDP leadership but was eliminated before the final round.
- In 2024, she placed first in the initial round but lost narrowly in the runoff to Shigeru Ishiba.
- In 2025, she ran again and succeeded, becoming the first female president of the LDP and thus paving the way to become the country’s first female prime minister.
Why Her Election Matters & What to Watch
- Her election is historic: she becomes the first woman ever to lead Japan’s ruling party and thus the first woman to hold the premiership.
- She is seen as a protégé of Shinzo Abe, inheriting many conservative ideals from him and potentially continuing his legacy.
- Her leadership could shift Japan further toward nationalist and security‑oriented policies, which may impact Japan’s relationships with China, South Korea, and regional disputes.
- At the same time, governing may be challenging: Japan faces rising inflation, demographic decline, debt pressures, and she will have to balance bold spending plans with fiscal sustainability.
- Observers will also watch whether she uses her position to promote women in leadership or whether her conservatism limits movement on gender reforms.