For the first time in Japan’s history, a woman is calling the shots at the top.
Sanae Takaichi, 64, has just been elected prime minister — a landmark moment in a nation long dominated by male leaders.
Winning comfortably in parliament with 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 in the Upper, Takaichi takes charge at a turbulent time.
Prices are rising, public frustration is mounting, and Japan’s political carousel keeps spinning — she’s the fourth PM in just five years.
Her climb wasn’t smooth. After losing the backing of the LDP’s coalition partner, Komeito, her campaign seemed doomed.
Then a last-minute alliance with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party flipped the script.
Balancing Tradition And Change
Nicknamed Japan’s “Iron Lady” for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi’s conservative stance has divided opinion.
She opposes same-sex marriage and resists letting married women keep their maiden names.
“It feels symbolic, not revolutionary,” said 21-year-old student Ayda Ogura. “She’s breaking a ceiling but keeping the walls up.”
Now, Takaichi must balance domestic woes with tricky diplomacy — especially with Washington.
Her first test? A high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump next week.
Japan may have its first female leader, but whether she’ll rewrite the rules or reinforce them — that’s the real story to watch.
