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Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female Prime Minister
Japan has entered a historic new era. On Tuesday, Sanae Takaichi, a prominent conservative figure and nationalist politician, was elected as the country’s first-ever female Prime Minister, marking a symbolic moment in a nation long dominated by male leadership.
Takaichi, 64, was chosen by both chambers of the Japanese Parliament to succeed Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down earlier this month. Holding back tears, the new premier bowed several times to lawmakers during the vote. Her appointment will become official later in the day after a formal meeting with Emperor Naruhito.
Earlier in October, Takaichi secured leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed almost continuously since 1955. However, the party recently lost its parliamentary majority amid a major financial scandal that fractured its decades-old coalition with the centrist Komeito party.
To consolidate power, Takaichi struck a last-minute deal on Monday with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), a centrist reformist movement, allowing her to form a government.
Despite breaking Japan’s political glass ceiling, her cabinet includes only two women ministers, disappointing many who had hoped for a more gender-balanced team.
According to Yu Uchiyama, professor of political science at the University of Tokyo, Takaichi’s longevity as leader will depend on the stability of this fragile coalition — and whether she dares to call early elections. “If she holds a snap election and loses seats, it would seriously damage her image,” he said.
Takaichi’s rise represents both a milestone for gender representation and a challenge to redefine Japan’s conservative establishment — from within.