By Ghazali Ibrahim
Japan made history on Tuesday as its parliament elected Sanae Takaichi, 64, as the country’s first female prime minister, following her victory in a session of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Takaichi secured 237 votes in the lower house and later outpaced her opponent in the upper chamber to clinch the premiership. The vote came after long‑time coalition partner Komeito withdrew from the LDP‑led government, prompting a rapid realignment that saw Takaichi broker a new agreement with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai) to regain a governing majority.
In her first remarks after taking office, Takaichi promised to build a strong economy and clearly defined national interests, emphasizing the importance of Japan’s alliance with the United States as she prepares to host President Donald Trump next week.
Analysts say her election marks a right‑ward shift in Japanese politics: once seen as a path‑breaker for women, Takaichi now inherits a minority coalition government, raising questions about her ability to deliver significant reforms.
Her hardline stances on defense, economic stimulus and social policy, alongside the appointment of only two women to her initial cabinet, have sparked criticism amid the larger milestone.
Still, her rise signals a notable breakthrough in a country where political leadership has been overwhelmingly male‑dominated.
As Japan enters this new chapter under its first female prime minister, the international community will be watching both the symbolic victory and the real‑world policies she will now enact.
