Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi made history on Tuesday by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, breaking through the nation’s traditional barriers and signaling a potential shift towards a more right-leaning agenda. A loyal follower of former prime minister Shinzo Abe and an admirer of Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi secured 237 votes in the lower house election, out of the 465-seat chamber’s total.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Takaichi on her groundbreaking achievement, expressing anticipation for enhanced collaboration to elevate the unique partnership between the EU and Japan. Additionally, Prime Minister Mark Carney extended his congratulations to Takaichi while appreciating the leadership of outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Takaichi’s win as Japan’s 104th prime minister represents a significant milestone in a country where male dominance has historically prevailed. However, her victory is also expected to steer Japan towards a more conservative stance on issues such as immigration and social policies.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has long governed Japan, formed a coalition with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, to secure Takaichi’s victory. While the coalition falls two seats short of a majority in the lower house of the National Diet, Japan’s parliament, Takaichi is poised to lead with a focus on defense and national security, vowing to increase defense spending and strengthen partnerships with the United States and other security allies.
Takaichi’s appointment of two women to her cabinet, including Satsuki Katayama as the first female finance minister and Kimi Onoda as economic security minister, demonstrates her commitment to increasing female representation in leadership roles, an area where Japan has lagged behind its G7 counterparts. Katayama, a former Finance Ministry official with expertise in fiscal matters, is known for her assertive decision-making and diplomatic skills in currency matters.
As Takaichi assumes leadership, she faces the task of navigating public discontent over rising prices and economic challenges while aiming to collaborate with opposition lawmakers to ensure stable governance and effective policy implementation.
