Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's First Female Prime Minister, Outlines Conservative Agenda and US Ties
Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan's first female Prime Minister, pledging economic strength, security, and US ties, while facing scrutiny over her conservative social policies and limited female cabinet appointments.
Overview
Sanae Takaichi has been elected Japan's first female Prime Minister with 237 votes, replacing Shigeru Ishiba and ending a political vacuum, marking a significant milestone.
As an ultraconservative, Takaichi pledged to restore public confidence, strengthen security, boost economic might, and deepen ties with the United States under President Donald Trump.
Her immediate agenda prioritizes tackling rising prices, increasing wages, and opposing interest rate hikes, with her election prompting a surge in Tokyo's share prices.
Takaichi holds conservative social views, opposing same-sex marriage and measures to advance women's rights, while supporting male-only succession in the imperial family.
Despite a pledge to increase female representation, she appointed only two women to her Cabinet and is set to meet President Trump in Tokyo for a major policy speech.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Sanae Takaichi's ascension by emphasizing her ultraconservative ideology and the fragility of her new government. They highlight her past opposition to gender equality and her "hawkish" views, often contrasting her status as the first female prime minister with criticisms from experts and feminists. The coverage consistently underscores the challenges and potential instability of her administration.
Sources (31)
Center (15)
FAQ
Sanae Takaichi's immediate agenda includes tackling rising prices, increasing wages, opposing interest rate hikes, strengthening security, boosting economic power, and deepening ties with the United States.
As an ultraconservative, Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and measures to advance women's rights, supports male-only succession in the imperial family, and has appointed only two women to her Cabinet despite pledges to increase female representation.
Sanae Takaichi is the first female Prime Minister of Japan and the first from Nara Prefecture, marking a significant milestone in Japanese politics and ending a period of political uncertainty.
Takaichi has pledged to deepen ties with the United States and is set to meet President Donald Trump in Tokyo for a major policy speech.
Takaichi joined the Liberal Democratic Party in 1996, held several ministerial posts under previous prime ministers, ran unsuccessfully for party leadership in 2021 and 2024, and finally won the party presidency and prime ministership in 2025 after defeating Shinjirō Koizumi and securing a coalition agreement with Ishin.
History
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