Japan Elects Takaichi as First Female PM Amid Rising Inflation and Global Challenges

Sanae Takaichi has made history as Japan's first female prime minister. On October 21, 2025, she secured the position after the lower house of parliament elected her with 237 votes, defeating opposition leader Yoshikoko Noda.

Her ascension followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered significant losses in the July elections.

Takaichi, 64, is a prominent figure in Japan's conservative political landscape. A former economic security minister, she is known for her admiration of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her alignment with the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policies.

Her political stance includes support for constitutional revision, strengthening Japan's military capabilities, and fostering closer ties with Taiwan. She has also been a frequent visitor to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines war criminals among Japan's war dead.

Despite her historic achievement as Japan's first female prime minister, Takaichi's cabinet includes only two women ministers, falling short of her initial promise to emulate countries like Iceland in gender representation.

Her government faces challenges such as rising inflation, a weak yen, and upcoming diplomatic engagements, including meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump. Analysts express mixed views on her economic policies, with some concerned about the potential risks of her "Sanaenomics" approach.

Takaichi's leadership marks a significant shift in Japan's political direction, with her policies likely to influence both domestic affairs and international relations in the coming years.

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