Sanae Takaichi made history on Tuesday after being elected by Japan’s parliament as the country’s first female prime minister, following weeks of intense political maneuvering that reshaped the nation’s leadership.
The 64-year-old hardline conservative, who often cites former British leader Margaret Thatcher as her inspiration, secured the top post after winning the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership contest on October 5. Her victory came after the party’s coalition partner abruptly ended its 26-year alliance, forcing her to quickly consolidate support to form a stable government.
“Japan now faces grave internal and external challenges, and we have no time to stand still,” Takaichi said during her first press conference as prime minister.
Takaichi, a former economic security and interior minister, has built her reputation as a staunch nationalist and a loyal supporter of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s “Abenomics” economic policies. Her plans for heavy government spending and closer oversight of the Bank of Japan have unsettled investors already concerned about the country’s massive public debt.
Political observers say her assertive foreign policy stance could strain relations with China. She is a frequent visitor to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals, and has previously suggested forming a “quasi-security alliance” with Taiwan.
Takaichi’s upbringing also sets her apart from many of Japan’s political elites. Raised in Nara by a police officer mother and a father who worked for a car company, she often references her modest roots as a source of pride. Before entering politics, she earned a business degree from Kobe University and worked as a congressional fellow in Washington, D.C.
Despite her tough image, supporters say Takaichi has a personable side. Her former hairdresser, Yukitoshi Arai, said her trademark “Sanae Cut” — sleek and tucked behind the ears — symbolizes her willingness to listen. “It has a sleek, sharp, and stylish look,” he said. “She deliberately tucks her hair behind her ears as a way of showing that she listens carefully to other people.”
Takaichi has pledged to appoint more women to cabinet positions, addressing a long-standing gender gap in Japanese politics. However, her conservative social views remain divisive. She opposes same-sex marriage and rejects calls to allow married couples to have different surnames — positions that align her with older, traditional voters but alienate much of Japan’s younger generation.
Her nationalist rhetoric has drawn comparisons to Thatcher, but her economic strategy leans in the opposite direction. Unlike the British “Iron Lady,” known for fiscal restraint, Takaichi supports tax cuts, increased government spending, and continued monetary easing to stimulate growth.
Takaichi is expected to welcome U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo next week, where discussions will likely focus on economic cooperation and regional security.
In her hometown of Nara, residents describe her as both determined and empathetic. During one campaign speech, she spoke about tourists mistreating deer in the city, using it as an example of the need for stricter rules on foreign visitors.
Analysts say Takaichi’s leadership marks a turning point in Japan’s politics — a moment of both symbolism and uncertainty. Her election as the country’s first female leader has shattered a long-standing glass ceiling, but her policies and political style could reshape Japan’s domestic and international identity for years to come.
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