TOKYO, Oct. 21, 2025 — Japan’s parliament has elected Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister, a breakthrough in a nation long criticised for its poor record on gender equality in politics.
Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), won 237 votes in the 465‑seat lower house, securing her appointment after a tense first round of voting. The upper house later confirmed her victory following a runoff. She will formally take office after an audience with Emperor Naruhito.
A Historic First
Takaichi, 64, is a long‑time conservative lawmaker and a protégé of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Often described as Japan’s “Iron Lady,” she has built her reputation as a hardliner on security and economic policy. Her election ends a succession of male premierships and makes her Japan’s fifth prime minister in as many years, underscoring the political volatility of recent times.
Coalition Fragility
Her path to power was secured through an 11th‑hour coalition deal, but the government remains a minority administration, raising concerns about stability. The LDP’s traditional partner, Komeito, withheld full support due to unease over Takaichi’s conservative positions, leaving her reliant on ad‑hoc alliances in parliament.
Immediate Challenges
Takaichi inherits a daunting agenda:
- Foreign Policy: Managing relations with China and North Korea while reinforcing the U.S.–Japan alliance, with U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled to visit Tokyo next week.
- Domestic Issues: Reviving a slowing economy, addressing demographic decline, and navigating public frustration over political instability.
- Gender Equality: Her election is symbolically significant, but Japan still ranks low among developed nations for female representation in leadership roles.
Reactions
Supporters hailed her victory as a historic step forward for women in Japanese politics, while critics warned that her hardline stances could deepen divisions at home and abroad. Analysts note that her ability to govern effectively will depend on whether she can build consensus in a fragmented parliament.
Summary: Sanae Takaichi’s election as Japan’s first female prime minister is a landmark moment, achieved through a narrow parliamentary win and coalition maneuvering. While her rise breaks a historic barrier, she faces immediate tests of leadership in both domestic governance and international diplomacy.
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