Japan has made history with the election of Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female Prime Minister.
The 64-year-old conservative leader was chosen by lawmakers on Tuesday, October 21 marking a significant milestone for the nation’s political landscape.
Takaichi, who now heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), secured 237 votes in the lower house of parliament, defeating her closest rival, Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, who garnered 149 votes.
She was later confirmed by the upper house with a vote of 125 to 46, after narrowly missing a majority in the first round.
While her election represents a breakthrough in Japan’s male-dominated political sphere, Takaichi takes office amid significant challenges, including managing a fragile coalition government and preparing for an upcoming visit from U.S. President Donald Trump.
A close ally and protégé of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is known for her strong nationalist views. She supports strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities, tightening immigration policies, and amending the country’s pacifist constitution.
Over her long political career, she has served as Minister of Economic Security, Minister for Internal Affairs, and Minister for Gender Equality.
After unsuccessful bids for LDP leadership in 2021 and 2024, Takaichi finally won the party’s top position earlier this month. In her victory speech, she expressed deep gratitude and reaffirmed her dedication to leading Japan through a new era of political and economic transformation.
