Who Is Taku Yamamoto? All About Sanae Takaichi’s Husband as Japan Gets Its First-Ever Woman Prime Minister

October 4, 2025 – Japan is set to make history. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has chosen Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, which means she will become the country’s first-ever woman prime minister. Takaichi, 64, won the leadership race against Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Her victory comes weeks after former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation following election defeats.

While all eyes are on Takaichi, many are also curious about her husband, Taku Yamamoto, a long-time politician himself. Here is everything to know about him.

Early Life and Career of Taku Yamamoto

Taku Yamamoto was born on July 7, 1952. He studied at Hosei University before entering politics. He started his career in local government as a member of the Fukui Prefectural Assembly. Later, he was elected to Japan’s House of Representatives, where he served several terms under the LDP banner.

During his career, Yamamoto became known for representing Fukui Prefecture and working on policy issues in parliament. He lost his seat in 2021 but remains respected in conservative political circles.

Marriage with Sanae Takaichi

Yamamoto married Sanae Takaichi in 2004. The couple divorced in 2017 due to differences, but they reunited and remarried in December 2021. Under Japanese law, couples must share the same surname. When they remarried, Yamamoto decided to take Takaichi’s surname, showing public support for her political career.

From his first marriage, Yamamoto has three children. After their marriage, Takaichi legally adopted them. This also made her a grandmother through her husband’s children.

Role as a Political Partner

Though Taku Yamamoto is no longer an active lawmaker, he continues to support his wife’s political journey. His experience in politics gives him insight into the challenges of leadership. Observers believe he will be an important figure behind the scenes as Takaichi takes office.

Their partnership is seen as unusual in Japanese politics, especially because Yamamoto changed his surname to match his wife’s. In a country known for its conservative traditions, this step drew attention and highlighted his support for her ambitions.

Sanae Takaichi’s Political Views

Sanae Takaichi is considered a hardline conservative. She supports Abenomics, the economic policy linked to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She has called for stronger defense ties with Taiwan and wants to review trade and security agreements with the United States.

In her victory speech, Takaichi said she wanted to address the people’s worries and turn them into hope. A parliamentary vote in mid-October is expected to confirm her as Japan’s first woman prime minister.

Why This Matters

Japan has never had a woman prime minister in its long history. Takaichi’s rise marks a turning point for Japanese politics. With her husband Taku Yamamoto by her side, she begins a new chapter that could reshape both domestic and international policy.