Historic Win: Japan Elects Sanae Takaichi as First Female PM

Tokyo:  Japanese lawmakers have elected Sanae Takaichi as the country’s new prime minister, making her the first woman in modern Japanese history to hold the position.

Takaichi, 64, is the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). She won the vote in Japan’s lower house of parliament by 237-149 against opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party. After falling one vote short of a majority in the first upper house vote, she secured her win in a second round by 125-46.

While her election marks a historic moment for women in Japanese politics, Takaichi now faces major challenges, including a visit from former U.S. President Donald Trump next week and a fragile ruling coalition.

A close ally of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi supports a stronger military, tighter immigration laws, and changing Japan’s pacifist constitution. She has previously served as minister for economic security, internal affairs, and gender equality.

Earlier this month, she became LDP leader after winning internal party elections, following previous unsuccessful runs in 2021 and 2024. However, her path to prime minister was uncertain after the centrist Komeito party left the LDP coalition.

To secure enough support, the LDP signed a new agreement with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), shifting the ruling coalition further to the right.