Japan Names First Female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, After Last-Minute Coalition Deal
Japan made history on Tuesday by appointing Sanae Takaichi as its first-ever female prime minister, following an unexpected coalition deal struck at the last minute.
Takaichi, 64, a conservative politician known for her strong views on China and social issues, takes over leadership amid political turbulence and a long list of challenges — including an upcoming visit from U.S. President Donald Trump next week.
Parliament’s lower house voted Takaichi into power after she narrowly won a first-round majority. Moments later, the upper house also approved her appointment after a runoff vote. Following tradition, she will formally assume office after meeting the emperor.
Takaichi, a former heavy metal drummer and long-time admirer of Margaret Thatcher, became leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) earlier this month. However, after a corruption scandal and concerns over her conservative stance, the Komeito Party pulled out of its coalition with the LDP.
To secure her position, Takaichi quickly forged a partnership with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) — a right-leaning reformist group — late Monday. The JIP has called for cutting taxes on food to zero, banning corporate donations, and reducing the number of lawmakers.
In her first speech as LDP leader, Takaichi promised to “make Japan’s economy stronger” and build a future-focused nation.
Residents of her hometown, Nara, expressed mixed feelings. “She’s strong-minded, not because she’s a woman — but because she knows what’s right and wrong,” said 76-year-old pensioner Toru Takahashi.
Takaichi has pledged to form a “Nordic-style” cabinet, with a record number of women ministers — a stark contrast to the outgoing administration, which had only two. Media reports suggest that Satsuki Katayama could take over as finance minister, while Kimi Onoda, who is half-American, may handle economic security.
Japan continues to struggle with gender equality. The country ranked 118th out of 148 in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, and only 15% of its lawmakers are women. Takaichi has spoken openly about her experience with menopause and has promised to raise awareness about women’s health, though she opposes changing the law that forces married couples to share the same surname and supports male-only succession in the imperial family.
Many women in Japan are hopeful. “I’d like to see more policies that support working mothers and women returning to work after childbirth,” said 18-year-old student Nina Terao.
On the foreign policy front, Takaichi faces pressure from Washington to increase defence spending, cut Russian energy imports, and finalize a $500 billion trade investment deal.
“She needs to be a prime minister who can say ‘No’ when necessary,” said Nara resident Satoshi Sakamoto, 73.
Domestically, her biggest tasks include reviving Japan’s sluggish economy and addressing the nation’s declining population. With her coalition lacking a majority in both houses of parliament, passing new laws will require negotiation and compromise.
A close ally of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has long supported his “Abenomics” policies of aggressive spending and monetary easing. Though she once accused China of looking down on Japan, she has recently softened her tone and even skipped a visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Japan’s war dead.
For now, ordinary citizens are cautiously optimistic. “Prices are rising and life is getting tough,” said 77-year-old Satoe Tominaga. “I’m not sure how much she can change, but I hope she makes life better for people like us.”
