Japan could soon have its first-ever female prime minister — and she’s already shaking things up.
Sanae Takaichi, a 64-year-old conservative firebrand, has just been elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
This puts her on track to take the country’s top job.
A former minister, TV host, and self-confessed heavy metal drummer, Takaichi is known as much for her bold personality as for her hardline politics.
But her challenges are steep. Japan’s economy is limping, and households are squeezed by stubborn inflation.
Relations with Washington have grown complicated under the Trump administration.
Add to that a fractured ruling party still nursing wounds from scandals and election losses — and she’s walking into a storm.
Japan’s Iron Lady Rises
Analysts say her leadership may deepen divisions rather than heal them.
“She’s in a good position to regain the right-wing voters, but at the expense of wider popular appeal,” says Prof Jeff Kingston of Temple University.
Takaichi idolises Margaret Thatcher. Many Japanese women say she’s no feminist icon.
She opposes same-sex marriage and even the right for women to keep their maiden names.
A protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, she’s vowed to revive his “Abenomics” and push for constitutional reform.
Japan’s “Iron Lady” may soon rise — but whether she unites or polarises her nation remains to be seen.
