Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japan’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, marking a historic breakthrough in a nation that has long lagged in gender equality, though her conservative policies may limit broader advancements for women.
Lawmakers in Japan’s lower house of parliament elected Takaichi by a vote of 237 to 149 over Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party. She also secured victory in the upper house after a second round of voting, confirming her position as the new leader. The 64-year-old conservative, who heads the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), now faces the challenge of uniting a fragmented parliament and addressing urgent issues such as economic stagnation and national security.
Takaichi, a protege of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is known for her hardline views and admiration of Margaret Thatcher. She advocates for a stronger military, tougher immigration controls, and the revision of Japan’s pacifist constitution. Her political career includes roles as minister of economic security, internal affairs, and gender equality, and she has personal interests like motorcycle riding and playing drums in a heavy metal band, which she uses to connect with diverse audiences.
Despite the symbolic importance of her election, critics argue that Takaichi’s victory may not significantly improve gender equality in Japan. She opposes same-sex marriage, supports male-only succession in the imperial family, and has resisted changes to laws requiring married couples to share a surname. Her record on women’s issues is mixed; while she has promoted awareness of women’s health, such as menopause, she has been criticized for not supporting broader empowerment measures.
To ensure her premiership, Takaichi’s LDP formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, a far-right group, after the centrist Komeito party withdrew support. This alliance shifts her government further to the right and leaves her with a precarious majority in both houses of parliament. The LDP has been weakened by corruption scandals and public discontent over rising living costs, which could make her leadership short-lived.
Takaichi enters office facing immediate diplomatic tests, including a visit next week by U.S. President Donald Trump, his first trip to Asia since returning to office. This engagement will require careful handling of trade and security issues, as Japan seeks to strengthen its alliance with the United States amid regional tensions. Domestically, her priorities include revitalizing the economy and addressing demographic challenges like an aging population.
Reactions to her election have been divided. While some celebrate the milestone for women in politics, others, such as feminist author Chizuko Ueno, express doubt that Takaichi’s conservative stance will benefit women broadly. Japan ranks 118th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, with women comprising less than 16% of lower house lawmakers and 10% of government ministers, underscoring the deep inequalities she must address.
In her victory speech, Takaichi emphasized her dedication to hard work, stating she would discard the concept of work-life balance and focus intensely on her duties. However, with a weakened political position and numerous challenges, her ability to enact lasting change remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be critical as she forms her cabinet, which includes two other women, such as Satsuki Katayama as Japan’s first female finance minister, and begins governing a nation at a pivotal moment.