Who is Japan's New Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi?

On October 21st, the Japanese parliament elected a new prime minister (PM). Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s new leader, is the first woman to hold this role. 

As Japan is known well for a lack of gender equality, Takaichi’s nomination for this position is a landmark moment.

So who is Sanae Takaichi and what does she hope to accomplish during her time as PM?

Takaichi is the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Since its establishment in 1955, the LDP has remained a powerful conservative party in Japan. With heavy emphasis on a strong U.S.-Japan relationship and the economy, these missions are central to Takaichi’s approach to leading Japan forward.

Originally from Nara, Japan, Takaichi fought and overcame many barriers to establish herself in Japan’s political system. Generally, Japan’s political units are male-dominated—especially in the LDP. Nevertheless, Takaichi made a space for herself.

There are mixed opinions on Takaichi’s new role as PM largely due to her ultraconservative beliefs that seem somewhat contradictory given her new position. She considers Margaret Thatcher, the UK’s first female PM and staunch conservative, her role model. Additionally, she strongly opposes same-sex marriage and is in favor of following the imperial family male-only succession. It seems that despite being an integral person in the advancement of Japan’s gender equality, she does not have any plans to increase diversity or promote feminism within the country. 

In terms of her policy prerogatives, under her leadership, it is likely that the Japanese government will shift to the right. As she works to increase defense spending and address immigration, there seems to be common ground to begin a candid relationship with Donald Trump. However, such policy may prove challenging in relations with nearby countries like South Korea, given an increase in nationalist ideology in Japan.

Sanae Takaichi, with her extensive background in politics, is uniquely qualified for this position. It will be fascinating to see how her personal identity and professional experience shape Japan in the coming years.