Sanae Takaichi Poised to Make History as Japan's First Female Prime Minister

Fri Oct 10 2025 19:27:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a groundbreaking moment for Japanese politics, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the leader of the ruling conservative party, positioning her to become the nation's first female prime minister amidst a challenging political landscape.

Sanae Takaichi, a key figure known for her conservative stance and affiliation with the late Shinzo Abe, has been elected as the new leader of Japan's ruling party. Her potential premiership comes at a time of economic struggle and internal party challenges, particularly following the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. While Takaichi aims to invoke Abe's economic policies and revive the party's right-wing support, her controversial views on social issues may alienate certain voter demographics, particularly women.

In a historic election, Japan's ruling conservative party has chosen Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, setting her on the path to become the first female prime minister in Japan. The 64-year-old politician, known for her conservative leanings and as a former government minister, is recognized as one of the most prominent figures in Japanese politics.

Takaichi's leadership comes at a critical juncture as Japan grapples with a sluggish economy, rampant inflation, and stagnant wages. She inherits the task of stabilizing a party recovering from internecine conflicts and recent election setbacks.

Her challenges are numerous; among them is renegotiating a complicated relationship with the United States amidst existing trade tariffs established during the Trump administration. Furthermore, she is expected to promote a vision aligned with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic policies, famously known as Abenomics, which emphasizes significant fiscal expenditure and lower interest rates.

Despite her ambition, experts caution her ability to unite her party after a series of scandals and the loss of majorities in the parliamentary chambers poses a significant hurdle. Her conservative approach may appeal to right-wing voters but risk alienating moderates and women, who may not view her as a champion of progressive issues.

Despite her admiration for Margaret Thatcher and her efforts to align with the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Takaichi's stance on women's issues remains controversial. She has historically opposed legislation supporting maiden names for women post-marriage and rejects same-sex marriage, positioning her as an unlikely advocate for gender equality.

As she gears up for a potentially historic confirmation by parliament, observers remain divided on her prospects and the broader implications for Japan's political future.