Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Japan has made history as 64-year-old Sanae Takaichi was elected the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday, becoming the country’s first female Prime Minister.

Takaichi, a former Economic Security Minister and known conservative, defeated Shinjiro Koizumi in a run-off vote for the party’s top position. She is expected to be confirmed by parliament in the coming days.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for carving out this new era for the Liberal Democratic Party. We will forge a more spirited and vibrant party,” Takaichi said after her victory.

Once confirmed, Takaichi will lead Japan’s cabinet and oversee key areas including foreign policy, defence, the economy, and national administration.

Her rise comes at a challenging time for Japan, as the country faces rising inflation, stagnant wages, high public debt, and an aging population. There is also growing public frustration over migration policies and regional tensions in East Asia.

Takaichi, who has often cited former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her role model, is expected to bring a strong conservative voice to Japan’s leadership.

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She succeeds Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned in September — less than a year after taking office — citing his party’s electoral defeats, internal pressure, and the need to preserve party unity.

Takaichi’s victory marks a significant milestone in Japan’s political history, as no woman has ever before led the country in its modern era.