Sanae Takaichi made history on Tuesday as Japan’s first female prime minister after sealing a last-minute coalition deal.
The 64-year-old conservative and outspoken China critic was elected by parliament to lead Japan’s fifth minority government in five years. Her victory followed a surprise first-round win in the lower house and a runoff confirmation in the upper house.
Takaichi faces major challenges, including reviving Japan’s weak economy, addressing population decline, and preparing for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit next week. She will also oversee a $500 billion trade and investment plan with Washington and manage tense relations with China.
After the Komeito party quit the ruling coalition over her conservative stance and a funding scandal, Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) formed an alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP). Finalized on Monday, the deal gives her limited but crucial parliamentary support.
Sanae Takaichi vowed to “reshape the country for future generations and strengthen Japan’s economy.” The JIP supports cutting food taxes to zero, banning corporate donations, and reducing the number of lawmakers.
A protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi backs strong national security and bold fiscal spending. She has recently softened her rhetoric toward Beijing and skipped a controversial visit to the Yasukuni Shrine.
At home, Takaichi promises “Nordic-level” gender balance in her cabinet. Possible appointees include Satsuki Katayama as finance minister and Kimi Onoda for economic security. Japan currently ranks 118th of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report, with women holding only 15% of lower house seats.
Despite her trailblazing position, Takaichi remains socially conservative. She supports male-only imperial succession and opposes separate surnames for married couples. However, she advocates better childcare policies and open discussion on women’s health, including menopause.
Public reaction is mixed. “She is a strong-minded person, regardless of being a woman,” said Toru Takahashi, a 76-year-old Nara resident. Others remain skeptical amid rising living costs and political fatigue.
As Japan’s first female prime minister, Takaichi must stabilize her fragile coalition, restore faith in the LDP, and redefine Japan’s global leadership while proving that women can lead at the highest level of government.
