Sanae Takaichi makes history as Japan’s first female prime minister

Sanae Takaichi was elected Prime Minister of Japan by the parliament, becoming the first woman to hold this post.

The 64-year-old won a clear majority as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday, receiving 237 votes in the powerful Lower House and 125 votes in the Upper House.

A staunch conservative and admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi takes office during a difficult economic period as Japan grapples with rising costs of living and a disillusioned public.

It has also been an uncertain period for the world’s fourth largest economy. He became the fourth Prime Minister in just five years, after his predecessors’ terms were cut short by falling ratings and scandals.

Although he defeated four others to win the LDP race in early October, his path to the top appeared blocked when the LDP’s long-time coalition partner, the Komeito party, withdrew its support.

But a last-minute deal with another opposition party — the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP), known as Ishin — saved it on Monday night. He and the LDP will next face voters in 2028.

Meanwhile, it faces difficult relations abroad as well as difficulties within the country. South Korea, which has begun to repair its historically sensitive ties with Japan, is acting cautiously due to its right-wing politics leaning towards nationalism. And like some of his predecessors, including the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, he is seen as a hawk when it comes to an increasingly powerful China.

But the most important relationship is the one with the United States, and a test is coming: a meeting with US President Donald Trump next week.

While both sides have reached a tariff agreement, Trump’s past comments questioning the value of the security agreement between them and demanding Tokyo pay more for defense have raised concerns; Takaichi must carry these out alongside an unpredictable US administration.

Takaichi, 64, is no stranger to Japanese politics.

A known ally of Abe, he has held various ministerial posts throughout his career and has previously run for Prime Minister.

He was elected LDP leader after former Prime Minister and LDP leader Shigeru Ishiba resigned following huge losses in the midterm elections.

Takaichi, nicknamed the “Iron Lady” for her admiration for Thatcher, is known for her conservative views, including her opposition to same-sex marriage and a growing demand for married women to be allowed to keep their maiden names.

This left some young women doubting the significance of her victory.

“Everyone says, ‘Wow, she’s the first female prime minister in Japanese history, and this is a great opportunity for women to be empowered,'” said 21-year-old student Ayda Ogura. he said.

“[But] If you look at his political beliefs and what he stands for, some things are very traditional. “Instead of creating structural change, he prefers to maintain the patriarchal system.”

During his last campaign, he proposed expanding hospital services for women’s health and giving greater recognition to home support workers.

He still has an important task ahead of him: rebuilding the public’s trust in the LDP.

The party has governed Japan for most of the last seven decades, but under Ishiba it lost its majority in the lower house for the first time in 15 years. Then in July, he lost his majority in the upper house amid public outrage following a fundraising scandal.

In choosing Takaichi, the LDP hoped to win back conservative voters, many of whom had turned to the far-right Sanseito party after becoming disillusioned with the usual options.

But first Takaichi must turn his attention to the public’s anger as prices continue to rise. For example, ongoing rice shortages have caused Japanese staples to drop to record prices.

Local media report that he may appoint Satsuki Katayama as finance minister; This is a historic first for a woman. Like Takaichi, Katayama is Abe’s protégé.

His victory appears to have injected some optimism into markets, although concerns about Japan’s rising debt and weak growth have worried investors.