Japan has elected hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi as prime minister, making her the first woman in modern history to lead the country and one of the United States’ key allies in Asia.
Takaichi, 64, head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), secured her position with 237 votes to 149 against opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda in the lower house, followed by a 125–46 victory in the upper house after narrowly missing a first-round majority.
Her rise marks a milestone for gender representation in Japanese politics, where women remain vastly underrepresented. Yet she takes office amid a weakened coalition, public discontent, and an imminent diplomatic test – a visit from U.S. President Donald Trump next week.
Often compared to her political idol, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi appointed two women to her cabinet, including Japan’s first female finance minister, Satsuki Katayama. Critics, however, caution that her ascent may not translate into broader gains for women’s rights.
“This might look historic,” said Jeff Kingston, professor of Asian studies at Temple University Japan. “But it’s hard to make that case given her poor record on empowering women.”
Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage, supports male-only imperial succession, and resists allowing married couples to retain separate surnames, a policy unique to Japan.
According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, Japan ranks 118th of 148 countries, with women holding fewer than 16% of seats in the lower house and 10% of ministerial positions.
Prominent feminist Chizuko Ueno voiced disappointment at Takaichi’s rise, saying it “doesn’t make me happy.” She described Takaichi as “Japan’s version of Thatcher,” warning that women in power do not always advance feminist causes.
Despite opposing surname reform, Takaichi has long used her maiden name professionally.
After marrying fellow LDP lawmaker Taku Yamamoto in 2004, she legally adopted his surname but reverted after their 2017 divorce. Upon remarrying in 2021, Yamamoto took her name instead.
Known for her youthful rebellion, riding motorcycles and playing drums in a heavy metal band, Takaichi has recently championed women’s health, particularly awareness around menopause. Yet she avoided discussing gender issues during her campaign.
A protégé of slain former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has pledged to strengthen Japan’s military, tighten immigration controls, and revise the pacifist constitution.
Over her decades-long political career, she has served in senior cabinet roles spanning internal affairs, economic security, and gender equality.
After two failed bids in 2021 and 2024, she won the LDP leadership earlier this month, declaring, “I will work and work and work and work and work.”
Her premiership, however, began under strain. Coalition partner Komeito withdrew its support, prompting the LDP to ally with the far-right Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) to secure a majority.
Even with the new alliance, Takaichi faces a difficult path in parliament following LDP losses in recent elections amid corruption scandals and rising living costs. Analysts predict her tenure could mirror that of predecessor Shigeru Ishiba, who lasted only a year.
“She starts as a weakened leader,” said Kingston. “Her challenge now is to steady Japan’s politics and economy.”
Takaichi’s first major test will come quickly. President Trump is expected to arrive next week on his first Asia tour since returning to office, visiting Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea for the APEC summit.
“She doesn’t have a whole lot of time to get ready for a slew of diplomatic activity,” Kingston said. “But I think job one is the Japanese economy.”
