Sanae Takaichi Takes Helm as Japan's First Woman Prime Minister

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 21 October 2025

• Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first woman Prime Minister, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba
• Her government faces economic challenges and political instability, with a focus on restoring stability
• PM Narendra Modi congratulated Takaichi, expressing hope for stronger India–Japan ties

In a historic moment for Japan, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the country’s first woman Prime Minister, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned following his party’s electoral defeat in July. The 64-year-old leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a parliamentary majority after striking a last-minute coalition deal with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai), ending months of political uncertainty.

Takaichi, known for her ultraconservative and nationalist views, is a close ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a staunch advocate of strengthening Japan’s defense and revising its pacifist constitution. She has often drawn comparisons to Margaret Thatcher for her firm leadership style. Despite breaking Japan’s highest political glass ceiling, Takaichi remains a controversial figure for her opposition to same-sex marriage, separate surnames for married couples, and female succession in the imperial family.

Her coalition with Ishin no Kai marks a rightward shift in Japanese politics, following the breakdown of the LDP’s long-standing partnership with the centrist Komeito Party. The new alliance ensures a fragile parliamentary majority but leaves Takaichi’s government vulnerable to instability.

Facing mounting economic challenges, rising living costs, and public discontent, Takaichi pledged to restore “political stability” and prioritize economic revival. She is set to unveil her Cabinet later today, expected to include key allies of veteran LDP figure Taro Aso.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Takaichi, expressing hope for stronger India–Japan cooperation under her leadership.