Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister, facing immediate diplomatic and political challenges amid a divided parliament.
Sanae Takaichi, a nationalist and security hawk, has been elected as Japan’s first female prime minister following the resignation of Shigeru Ishiba after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its coalition majority.
Takaichi, 64, was confirmed by parliament on Tuesday and will immediately face major diplomatic and domestic challenges, including a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump within days of taking office. “Takaichi’s road ahead promises to be extremely bumpy,” said Tomohiko Taniguchi, former adviser to late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
A protégé of Abe, Takaichi is known for her “Japan First” stance, aligning with Trump’s “America First” ideology. Analysts say her early test will be navigating trade and defense negotiations with Washington while stabilizing Japan’s weakened LDP government.
Despite breaking a major gender barrier, Takaichi is not seen as a champion of women’s rights, having opposed reforms on family names and imperial succession.