Japan has appointed Sanae Takaichi as its first female Prime Minister, ending decades of male-dominated leadership in the world’s third-largest economy.
Takaichi, 64, a staunch conservative and outspoken China critic, was confirmed on Tuesday after winning a slim majority in the lower house of parliament and securing a runoff victory in the upper chamber.
She takes office amid political turbulence, leading a minority government and faces immediate challenges including economic stagnation, population decline, and tense foreign relations ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit next week.
ThemomentNG reports that a former heavy metal drummer, Takaichi became head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on October 4, 2025.
The LDP, which has governed Japan for most of the past seven decades, has seen declining public trust following corruption scandals and falling approval ratings.
The new Prime Minister secured power after forming a last-minute coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), a reformist right-leaning bloc.
The deal was signed late Monday after the LDP’s longtime ally, the Komeito Party, withdrew from the coalition, citing discomfort with Takaichi’s conservative views and a party funding scandal.
“We will make Japan’s economy stronger and reshape Japan as a country that can be responsible for future generations,” Takaichi pledged at the signing ceremony.
