Sanae Takaichi Creates History as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Tokyo: In a historic political development, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first-ever female Prime Minister by the country’s parliament. The ultraconservative leader’s rise to power comes just a day after her struggling party secured a coalition deal with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) – a move expected to shift Japan’s ruling bloc further to the right on the political spectrum.

The election of Takaichi follows months of political uncertainty and internal conflict within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). After suffering a crushing defeat in the July general elections, the LDP underwent a three-month leadership crisis that finally concluded with Takaichi replacing Shigeru Ishiba as the nation’s new leader.

Transition of Power After Ishiba’s Resignation

Earlier in the day, outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Cabinet resigned, paving the way for Takaichi’s appointment. Ishiba’s short tenure, lasting just one year, was marked by public dissatisfaction over economic stagnation and political mismanagement.

The LDP’s emergency coalition with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai), headquartered in Osaka, ensured Takaichi’s premiership despite the ruling bloc lacking a clear majority in both houses. However, this coalition still faces the challenge of securing support from smaller opposition factions to maintain political stability.

Takaichi Calls for Political Stability and Economic Revival

“Political stability is essential right now,” Takaichi said during the coalition signing ceremony alongside Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura and the JIP leader. “Without stability, we cannot implement measures to strengthen our economy or pursue an assertive foreign policy.”

The coalition agreement highlights policies that reflect Takaichi’s nationalist and militaristic leanings, marking a notable ideological shift for Japan’s government. This alliance was formed after the LDP’s long-time coalition partner, the moderate and Buddhist-backed Komeito Party, withdrew support due to policy disagreements and corruption scandals.

India Extends Congratulations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Takaichi on her historic appointment, expressing optimism about strengthening India–Japan bilateral relations under her leadership.

Formation of the New Cabinet

Later today, Takaichi is expected to unveil her Cabinet lineup, which includes several prominent supporters of Taro Aso, the LDP’s most influential kingmaker. Many of these appointees were instrumental in securing her victory during the party’s leadership election.

However, Yoshimura clarified that the Japan Innovation Party will not immediately occupy ministerial posts in Takaichi’s government until a firm political alignment is established between the two parties.

Immediate Challenges Ahead

Takaichi faces a demanding political schedule that includes regional summits, discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, and an important policy address later this week. Her top priorities include tackling inflation, boosting household purchasing power, and stabilizing Japan’s fragile economy by year-end.

A Conservative Figure with Controversial Stances

Despite her groundbreaking position as Japan’s first female prime minister, Takaichi has shown little urgency in advancing gender equality or diversity reforms. She has consistently opposed same-sex marriage and the policy of allowing married couples to use different surnames. Takaichi also supports maintaining the male-only succession of Japan’s imperial family – positions that place her firmly within Japan’s conservative establishment.

A close protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to follow in his footsteps by strengthening Japan’s military capabilities, reinforcing National Security, and pursuing a long-debated revision of the pacifist constitution. However, her ability to implement these changes may be limited by her coalition’s unstable majority in the legislature.

Concerns Over Ideology and Governance

Komeito’s departure from the ruling coalition was largely triggered by the LDP’s failure to address multiple slush fund scandals and its declining public trust. The centrist party also expressed deep concern over Takaichi’s revisionist stance on wartime history, her anti-immigrant rhetoric, and her controversial visits to the Yasukuni Shrine – a site that honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals.

In recent months, Takaichi has attempted to moderate her tone. Instead of personally visiting Yasukuni on Friday, she sent a symbolic religious offering, signaling a subtle effort to ease regional diplomatic tensions, particularly with china and South Korea.

The Road Ahead

Takaichi’s appointment marks a defining moment in Japan’s political evolution. While her leadership represents progress in terms of gender representation, it also introduces a more conservative era in Japan’s policy direction. With a fragile coalition, global scrutiny, and urgent economic issues, her ability to balance ideology with effective governance will shape Japan’s trajectory in the coming years.