Sanae Takaichi Makes History as Japan's First Female Prime Minister

Sanae Takaichi was officially elected as Japan's first female Prime Minister by the National Diet on October 21, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's political history. This historic appointment follows her victory in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership contest on October 4, 2025, as reported by NHK. Her election shatters a long-standing gender barrier in Japanese politics, which has been predominantly male-dominated for over a century.

The 64-year-old ultraconservative lawmaker, often dubbed Japan's "Iron Lady" for her firm political style, secured the premiership after a challenging ascent. She won 237 out of 465 votes in the powerful lower chamber of the National Diet, defeating opposition candidate Yoshihiko Noda, according to pbs News. Her path to leadership involved forming a new coalition government.

Takaichi's election comes at a time of significant political flux, as her ruling Liberal Democratic Party faced a weakened position following parliamentary election losses. The LDP's long-term coalition with the Komeito party, which had lasted 26 years, dissolved due to disagreements over campaign donations and anti-corruption measures, Al Jazeera reported. This necessitated a new political alliance.

To secure the necessary votes for her premiership, Takaichi forged a coalition with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai). This alliance enabled her to command enough support in the legislature, despite the LDP holding only a plurality of seats. The Japan Innovation Party shares many of Takaichi's hardline stances on national security and immigration, according to time.

A protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has consistently advocated for policies reminiscent of "Abenomics," including proactive government spending and monetary easing. Her political agenda is firmly rooted in conservative principles, emphasizing national identity and a strong defense posture. She has previously served in several ministerial roles under both Abe and Fumio Kishida.

Her leadership is seen by many as a continuation of Abe's ideological legacy, particularly in foreign and security policy. However, her administration faces numerous domestic challenges, including persistent inflation, labor shortages, and public dissatisfaction with issues like inequality and childcare access, as noted by TIME. She now leads a minority government, which will require constant negotiation to pass key legislation, according to an analysis by Anadolu Ajansı.

• Historical Context of Women in Japanese Politics: While Sanae Takaichi is Japan's first female Prime Minister, women have gradually increased their political presence since gaining the right to vote nationwide in 1945. The first post-war general election in 1946 saw 39 women elected to parliament, representing 8.37% of lawmakers. Notable milestones include Masa Nakayama becoming the first female Minister of State in 1960 and Takako Doi becoming the first woman to lead a national political party in 1986. Despite these advancements, female representation in the lower house of parliament remained low, at 15.7% in 2024, highlighting the significance of Takaichi's achievement.

• Sanae Takaichi's Political Journey and Ideology: Takaichi's career began in 1993 when she was elected as an independent to the House of Representatives, later joining the LDP in 1996. She held significant ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications under Shinzo Abe and Minister of State for Economic Security under Fumio Kishida. Described as an "ultraconservative," she is known for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher and her strong nationalist views. Her policy positions include support for "Abenomics," a hawkish stance on defense, and social conservatism, opposing same-sex marriage and separate surnames for married couples, according to Al Jazeera and PBS News.

• The Election Process and Coalition Formation: The Prime Minister of Japan is elected by the National Diet, with the House of Representatives holding more power. Takaichi's election followed her win in the LDP leadership election, where she defeated Shinjirō Koizumi in a runoff. Her path to premiership was complicated by the withdrawal of the Komeito party from its 26-year coalition with the LDP, as reported by Chatham House. This led to the formation of a new coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, a right-leaning populist party that aligns with Takaichi's hardline approach to national security and immigration, according to time.

• Domestic and International Implications: Takaichi's leadership is expected to bring continuity in foreign policy, particularly strengthening ties with the United States and maintaining a firm stance towards China. Domestically, her administration faces the challenge of leading a minority government amidst economic pressures like inflation and labor shortages. Experts like Nancy Snow, a Japan affairs expert, predict her policies will include "Abenomics-style macro policies" adapted to current economic conditions and a socially conservative agenda. Her election also raises questions about gender equality, given her conservative views on social issues despite being the first female PM.

• Challenges and Public Perception: Takaichi's government faces significant challenges, including rebuilding public trust in politics after recent scandals involving the LDP's fundraising. Her minority government will require constant deal-making to pass legislation, as noted by Anadolu Ajansı. While her election is a symbolic breakthrough for women, her conservative stance on issues like gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights has drawn criticism from activists, who express concern about potential setbacks for these rights, PBS News reported. However, others remain optimistic that her appointment will lower psychological barriers for women entering public life.

• Policy Priorities and Future Outlook: Takaichi's key policy priorities are expected to focus on economic revival through expansionary budgets and loose monetary policy, alongside a significant increase in defense spending. She aims to double Japan's defense spending from 1% to 2% of GDP. Her administration will also need to address pressing cost-of-living issues and navigate a fractured political landscape. Her ability to unify the LDP and deliver tangible economic results will be crucial for her political longevity, according to an analysis by ANBOUND.