Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister, marking a defining moment in the country’s political landscape long dominated by male leadership. The 64-year-old lawmaker was elected on Tuesday following a decisive runoff election in Parliament, where she secured the majority votes needed to assume office.
In the Lower House, Takaichi garnered 237 votes, surpassing the required 233, while in the Upper House, she received 125 votes, just one above the simple majority threshold. Her election follows her recent victory in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) leadership race, where she defeated rival Shinjiro Shinjiro in a closely contested runoff, gaining 185 votes against his 156.
A former television anchor, Takaichi began her political career in 1993 as an independent member of Japan’s Lower House, representing her home prefecture of Nara. She joined the LDP in 1996 and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most prominent conservative figures in Japanese politics.
Takaichi’s political journey is marked by several firsts. She served as the Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and later became the first woman to head the LDP’s Policy Research Council. Between 2022 and 2024, she served as Japan’s Economic Security Minister and remains the longest-serving Minister for Internal Affairs.
Her rise to the top position comes amid growing economic and political challenges for Japan, including sluggish growth, inflation, and the yen’s sharp depreciation. The ruling LDP, facing waning public support after recent electoral defeats, is expected to rely on Takaichi’s leadership to regain stability and public confidence.
Following her election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm congratulations to Takaichi through a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Heartiest congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” Modi wrote.
Takaichi’s victory has been celebrated as a milestone for women in Japanese politics, a field where female representation remains limited. Former Justice Minister Midori Matsushima, one of the 20 lawmakers who supported her candidacy, hailed the moment as “historic,” expressing hope that it would inspire young women and non-dynastic politicians across Japan.
Takaichi will serve the remainder of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s three-year term, ending in September 2027. As she prepares to lead Japan through turbulent economic and political waters, her leadership will be closely watched both at home and abroad.
Her appointment not only breaks a long-standing gender barrier but also signals a shift towards a more inclusive and reform-minded political era in Japan.
