Sanae Takaichi Secures Victory as Japan’s First Female PM

Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, solidified her leadership on October 15, 2023, following a successful snap election in which her party secured a significant majority. Takaichi, a prominent conservative and admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, has quickly established her position through a hardline approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding China, and a reputation for tireless work.

In the recent elections, Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) appears to have achieved a remarkable two-thirds majority in the lower house, bolstering her ability to advance her legislative agenda. Coming into office just four months ago, she has already become Japan’s fifth leader in as many years. Her ascent follows a period of discontent among voters, driven by inflation and a scandal involving a slush fund, alongside the rise of the populist Sanseito party.

Takaichi’s premiership has been marked by a strong stance on defense and economic security. She is not shy about addressing immigration issues and has openly expressed her willingness to support military intervention should China attack Taiwan, a position that has generated significant diplomatic tension. Following her comments in November suggesting Japan could intervene in defense of Taiwan, China retaliated by implementing a comprehensive ban on exports to Japan of “dual-use” goods, which could have military applications.

A seasoned politician, Takaichi previously served as Japan’s economic security minister, where she was vocal in her criticism of China’s military expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Her commitment to Taiwan was further evidenced during a visit in April, where she emphasized the importance of strengthening security cooperation between Taipei and Tokyo.

Yasukuni Shrine, a site that honors Japan’s war dead—including convicted war criminals—has been a frequent stop for Takaichi, further consolidating her ultraconservative credentials. Her actions reflect a continuing trend of strained relations with neighboring Asian countries, which view her visits as provocative.

In a surprising display of versatility, Takaichi showcased her former talents as a drummer in a college heavy metal band by performing K-pop songs during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. This moment of levity was well-received online, illustrating her ability to connect with younger audiences.

Her rapport with former U.S. President Donald Trump has been carefully cultivated, with Takaichi showering him with gifts, including an American golf bag and beef, echoing the strategies of her late mentor, Shinzo Abe. Despite her admiration for Thatcher, Takaichi has refrained from leveraging her gender to garner support, holding views that align with the conservative LDP.

She has opposed changes to a 19th-century law mandating that married couples share the same surname, a practice that traditionally sees women adopt their husbands’ names. Although she has vowed to enhance gender representation in her cabinet to “Nordic” levels, her cabinet includes only two women among its 19 members.

Japan continues to lag in gender equality, ranking 118th out of 148 in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Gender Gap Report, primarily due to the underrepresentation of women in political positions. Takaichi’s policies reflect a commitment to aggressive monetary easing and substantial fiscal spending, reminiscent of Abe’s economic strategy, which could have implications for market stability.

Takaichi’s work ethic is well-documented; she reportedly sleeps only two to four hours each night and has been known to schedule early morning meetings as early as 3:00 AM. She has pledged to dedicate herself to her role, stating, “I shall work, work, work, work and work,” emphasizing her commitment to her position.

As Takaichi navigates her initial months in office, her ability to address pressing domestic and international issues will be closely watched, with the potential for significant impact on Japan’s future direction.