In a landmark moment for Japanese politics, Sanae Takaichi has won a decisive leadership vote in Japan’s parliament and is set to become the country’s first female Prime Minister. She is expected to meet with Emperor Naruhito as part of formal procedure following her victory.
Takaichi, aged 64, is a long-time member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Having served in previous cabinets under former Prime Ministers Shinzo Abe and Fumio Kishida, she is often dubbed Japan’s “Iron Lady” for her conservative and security-focused policy outlook.
Her platform aligns with Abenomics style economic policies, favouring fiscal expansion and structural reforms, while her social perspectives lean conservative — including firm stances on immigration, social change, and gender roles.
Analysts say her election signals continuity of Japan’s conservative direction, but with historic symbolism: the first woman ever to lead Japan in its modern parliamentary system.
She inherits both opportunity and challenge: from leading in a male-dominated political environment to shaping Japan’s responses to regional security issues like Taiwan, China relations, and internal reform
