Sanae Takaichi Shatters Political Glass Ceiling in Japan

Sanae Takaichi has become Japan's first female prime minister, marking a historic moment in Japanese politics. Her election introduces a potential shift to the right, with economic policies echoing former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Despite the victory, Takaichi named only two women to her cabinet, which may impact her public perception.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 21-10-2025 21:16 IST | Created: 21-10-2025 21:16 IST
Sanae Takaichi Shatters Political Glass Ceiling in Japan
Sanae Takaichi

Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi has made history as Japan's first female prime minister, challenging the political status quo by leading the nation into what is expected to be a rightward shift. Aligning herself with past leaders like Shinzo Abe and Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi plans to rejuvenate Japan's economy with familiar stimulus strategies.

Takaichi's victory came through a coalition between her Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, falling just short of a lower house majority. Professor Tadashi Mori at Aichi Gakuin University underlines the urgency for cross-party cooperation to achieve stable governance.

The new prime minister has endorsed defense and national security as key administrative pillars, and she aims to revise Japan's pacifist constitution. Her leadership is set against a backdrop of rising global political shifts and internal party changes, promising a transformative but challenging term.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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