
Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister
In a historic political milestone, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, marking a groundbreaking moment in the nation’s political history. On Tuesday, October 21, she defeated her sole opponent Yoshihiko Noda by a margin of 88 votes in a parliamentary vote.
Takaichi secured 237 votes in the 465-member lower house of Japan’s Parliament, winning the first round outright and eliminating the need for a runoff. Her victory cements her place as the first woman ever to lead the Japanese government.
Her win comes after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) — Japan’s ruling party since 1955 — formed a coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP). The two parties signed a power-sharing agreement over the weekend, leading to Takaichi’s election.

In her first statement after the vote, Takaichi said:”Political stability is essential right now. Without it, we cannot take strong steps in either the economy or diplomacy.”Takaichi, 64, is a veteran conservative politician and a prominent member of the LDP’s right-wing faction. Often referred to as Japan’s “Iron Lady,” she is an admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
She has served continuously as a member of Japan’s lower house of Parliament (Diet) for the past 30 years and previously held key cabinet positions, including Foreign Minister and Defense Minister. Outside of politics, Takaichi has a background in television presenting and is known for her love of heavy metal music and playing drums.
Takaichi takes office at a time when Japan faces a number of critical challenges, including:
- Economic recession and rising inflation
- Stagnant wages and cost-of-living crisis
- Repairing strained ties with the United States, particularly regarding trade agreements signed during the Trump administration
- Internal divisions and scandals within the LDP
Analysts suggest that the LDP has seen a decline in popularity in recent years, and Takaichi’s leadership will be tested as she works to unite the party and restore public confidence.
A Historic Moment for Women in Japanese Politics
Sanae Takaichi’s election represents a turning point for gender equality in Japanese politics, long dominated by men. However, observers say this victory is more than symbolic — Takaichi must now demonstrate that female leadership can be equally, if not more, effective in navigating national and international crises.
Whether she can lead Japan out of economic turmoil and restore global confidence in its political leadership remains to be seen.