Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan's First Female Prime Minister, Outlines Conservative Agenda and US Ties
Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan's first female Prime Minister, pledging economic strength, security, and US ties, while facing scrutiny over her conservative social policies and limited female cabinet appointments.
Japan elects first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi
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Will Japan's first female prime minister succeed?
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Overview
- Sanae Takaichi has been elected Japan's first female Prime Minister with 237 votes, replacing Shigeru Ishiba and ending a political vacuum, marking a significant milestone.
- As an ultraconservative, Takaichi pledged to restore public confidence, strengthen security, boost economic might, and deepen ties with the United States under President Donald Trump.
- Her immediate agenda prioritizes tackling rising prices, increasing wages, and opposing interest rate hikes, with her election prompting a surge in Tokyo's share prices.
- Takaichi holds conservative social views, opposing same-sex marriage and measures to advance women's rights, while supporting male-only succession in the imperial family.
- Despite a pledge to increase female representation, she appointed only two women to her Cabinet and is set to meet President Trump in Tokyo for a major policy speech.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Sanae Takaichi's ascension by emphasizing her ultraconservative ideology and the fragility of her new government. They highlight her past opposition to gender equality and her "hawkish" views, often contrasting her status as the first female prime minister with criticisms from experts and feminists. The coverage consistently underscores the challenges and potential instability of her administration.
"Still, many see her breaking the glass ceiling in politics as progress."
Chicago Tribune"Takaichi holds a notable place in the history books as the first female prime minister of a country where women only held about 10% of seats in parliament as of 2024."
NPR"Takaichi's win seemed to have offered some optimism for the markets."
BBC News"Takaichi has avoided talking about gender issues in the past, sticking with old-fashioned views favored by male party heavyweights."
ABC News"Takaichi's untested alliance is still short of a majority in both houses of parliament and will need to court other opposition groups to pass any legislation — a risk that could make her government unstable and short-lived."
CBS News"Takaichi has avoided talking about gender issues in the past, sticking with old-fashioned views favored by male party heavyweights."
Associated Press"Share prices have soared recently in Tokyo on hopes that conservative Japanese lawmaker Sanae Takaichi, who was chosen Tuesday to be Japan’s first female prime minister, will double down on market friendly policies, including hefty spending on defense and cheap credit."
ABC News"While she is the first woman serving as Japan's prime minister, she is in no rush to promote gender equality or diversity."
NPR"Takaichi is expected to emulate the policies of her late mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe."
Associated Press"Though her election is a milestone in a country where women are severely underrepresented in government, Takaichi enters office with a fragile coalition and facing a number of pressing challenges."
NBC News"While she would be the first woman serving as Japan's prime minister, she is in no rush to promote gender equality or diversity."
ABC News"While she would be the first woman serving as Japan’s prime minister, she is in no rush to promote gender equality or diversity."
Associated Press"A coalition deal is expected in the Japanese Parliament which would give the country its first female prime minister."
Semafor"Now over to Japan. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is scheduled to sign a coalition deal with the Japan Innovation Party."
Bloomberg"Takaichi’s election as LDP leader as she seeks the premiership is about power politics by the 85-year-old conservative former Prime Minister Taro Aso, the party’s most powerful kingmaker."
Associated PressArticles (31)
Center (15)
FAQ
Sanae Takaichi's immediate agenda includes tackling rising prices, increasing wages, opposing interest rate hikes, strengthening security, boosting economic power, and deepening ties with the United States.
As an ultraconservative, Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and measures to advance women's rights, supports male-only succession in the imperial family, and has appointed only two women to her Cabinet despite pledges to increase female representation.
Sanae Takaichi is the first female Prime Minister of Japan and the first from Nara Prefecture, marking a significant milestone in Japanese politics and ending a period of political uncertainty.
Takaichi has pledged to deepen ties with the United States and is set to meet President Donald Trump in Tokyo for a major policy speech.
Takaichi joined the Liberal Democratic Party in 1996, held several ministerial posts under previous prime ministers, ran unsuccessfully for party leadership in 2021 and 2024, and finally won the party presidency and prime ministership in 2025 after defeating Shinjirō Koizumi and securing a coalition agreement with Ishin.
History
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