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

Sanae Takaichi has won the leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become the country’s first-ever female prime minister. The 64-year-old conservative politician defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, a 44-year-old reformist and son of former premier Junichiro Koizumi, in a runoff election that signaled a return to the LDP’s traditional power base.

A Conservative Trailblazer

Once parliament confirms her appointment, an outcome seen as almost certain, Takaichi will become Japan’s fifth leader in as many years. Despite her groundbreaking rise, analysts say her leadership does not represent a feminist shift in Japanese politics. Instead, Takaichi, a staunch conservative and former economic security minister, has emphasized national defense, stricter immigration controls, and economic stability.

A protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, she has long been known for her nationalist views and frequent visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals. However, in this year’s campaign, she struck a more measured tone, focusing on inflation, governance reforms, and restoring public trust in the LDP following a recent funding scandal.

Gender and Legacy

Though often compared to Margaret Thatcher, her political idol, Takaichi’s record on gender equality remains complex. She opposes changing Japan’s 19th-century law requiring married couples to share a surname, a rule that disproportionately affects women. Yet, she pledged during her campaign to achieve “Nordic-level” gender representation in her cabinet.

Japan ranks 118th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Gender Gap Report, with women holding only a fraction of parliamentary seats. Takaichi’s rise could mark a symbolic milestone, even as her policies reinforce conservative traditions.

Backed by Japan’s right wing and known for her hardline stance on China and immigration, Takaichi’s leadership may reshape both domestic politics and foreign relations, steering Japan into a new yet familiar direction.

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