Breaking Barriers: Sanae Takaichi Ascends as Japan's First Female Prime Minister

Mon Oct 20 2025 18:35:00 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Sanae Takaichi, affectionately known as Japan's 'Iron Lady', has made history by being elected as the first female leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to take the role of Japan's prime minister amid significant political challenges.

Sanae Takaichi has emerged as a prominent figure in Japanese politics after securing leadership of the LDP on its 70th anniversary. At 64 years old, she aspires to become Japan's first female prime minister. Her journey from a failed political aspirant to a political heavyweight shows her determination and resilience, as she faces the challenge of reigning in a party that has lost voter trust. Known for her strong conservative views, she aims to address pressing social issues and revitalize the party's image following scandals and the rise of the far-right.

Sanae Takaichi, a name that is now synonymous with a significant breakthrough in Japanese politics, has been elected as the leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), setting her on a path to potentially become the country’s first female prime minister. At 64, Takaichi achieved this after two previous unsuccessful attempts, marking a pivotal moment on the LDP's 70th anniversary.

A former government minister and an unlikely candidate who once drummed in a heavy metal band, Takaichi is stepping up to guide a party wrestling with voter trust issues after enduring a series of scandals. Her rise comes at a time when the ultranationalist far-right party, Sanseito, is gaining momentum, claiming new supporters from the conservative base traditionally held by the LDP.

Born in 1961 in Nara Prefecture, Takaichi's political ambitions sprang from her observations of global perceptions of Japan amid the 1980s US-Japan trade disputes. After initially failing to secure a parliamentary seat in 1992, she persisted, winning a seat the following year and establishing herself as a tenacious and conservative voice within the LDP.

Throughout her political journey, which includes ten successful elections and notable ministerial roles—most recently as Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications—Takaichi has cultivated a solid reputation. She has expressed her desire to emulate the political legacy of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, proclaiming, My goal is to become the Iron Lady. This ambition reflects her determination to enact substantial changes that resonate with her key voter base.

While Takaichi holds strong conservative beliefs—including opposition to same-sex marriage and legislation allowing women to retain maiden names—she has also shown signs of adjusting her policies. During her campaign, she pledged to make childcare more accessible and to expand healthcare services to better support women. Her family experiences with caregiving have motivated her commitment to create frameworks that reduce the burden of caregiving on working families.

Looking ahead, Takaichi’s leadership will be closely scrutinized as she confronts pressing national issues, namely economic challenges and changing demographics. Her success in restoring public trust in the LDP will be critical, particularly with the parliamentary vote to confirm her position as prime minister expected on October 15.