Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Tokyo: In a historic moment for Japan, Sanae Takaichi was elected as the country’s next Prime Minister on Tuesday, becoming the first woman ever to hold the position. Her election followed a runoff vote in Japan’s Parliament after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) last weekend.

Takaichi, 64, secured 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 votes in the Upper House, narrowly crossing the simple majority needed in both chambers. She will serve the remainder of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s term, which ends in September 2027.

A former television anchor turned politician, Takaichi began her political journey in 1993 as an independent lawmaker from her home prefecture of Nara. She joined the LDP in 1996 and later entered the Cabinet under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, serving as the Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs. Over the years, she went on to become the longest-serving Minister for Internal Affairs and the first woman to chair the LDP’s Policy Research Council.

From 2022 to 2024, she served as Japan’s Economic Security Minister, earning recognition for her strong nationalist views and emphasis on technological resilience. Known for her conservative stance within the LDP, Takaichi has long been a prominent voice advocating for the party’s traditional causes.

In the LDP leadership race held on Saturday, Takaichi emerged victorious after defeating Shinjiro Shinjiro in a runoff, securing 185 votes to Shinjiro’s 156. None of the five candidates in the initial round had achieved a majority, leading to the final runoff.

Her election marks a turning point in Japan’s male-dominated political landscape. Former Justice Minister Midori Matsushima, one of the 20 lawmakers who endorsed Takaichi, hailed the outcome as an inspiring milestone. “The first female Prime Minister is here. I’m so happy that I could witness this. I hope this gives courage to many young women — especially those who were not born into political families,” she told The Japan Times.

Takaichi takes office at a challenging time, as Japan grapples with economic stagnation, inflation, and a weakening yen. The LDP, which has long dominated Japanese politics, faces mounting public dissatisfaction and internal divisions following recent electoral setbacks.

Analysts say Takaichi’s leadership will be crucial in rebuilding public trust, stabilising the economy, and unifying the ruling bloc as the country navigates a period of uncertainty at home and abroad.