Sanae Takaichi, widely recognized for her ambition to become Japan’s first female prime minister, recently achieved a significant milestone by being elected as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on its 70th anniversary. This victory comes on her third attempt, after previous losses in 2021 and 2024. At 64 years old, Takaichi’s victory marks a historic moment in Japanese politics, as she seeks to follow in the footsteps of the United Kingdom’s “Iron Lady,” Baroness Margaret Thatcher.
Takaichi was born in 1961 in Nara Prefecture, where her background was far removed from the political arena. With a father who was an office worker and a mother who served as a police officer, Takaichi developed an interest in politics during the 1980s amidst U.S.-Japan trade tensions. Her early career included a brief stint as a television host and her involvement in U.S. politics as an aide to Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder, which deepened her understanding of American perceptions of Japan.
After her initial foray into politics resulted in a defeat in 1992, Takaichi persevered and won a parliamentary seat in 1993, later joining the LDP in 1996. Over the years, she has been elected to Parliament ten times and has developed a reputation as one of the party’s most prominent conservative voices. Her past positions include significant roles such as the minister for economic security and a notable tenure as the minister for internal affairs and communications.
As a staunch conservative, Takaichi has faced criticism for her opposition to legislation allowing married women to retain their maiden names and her stance against same-sex marriage. However, she has recently indicated a willingness to evolve her views, proposing tax incentives to support childcare and pledging to improve healthcare access for women and support for aging populations.
A protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi aims to reinvigorate his “Abenomics” economic policies, focusing on public spending and affordable borrowing. She has expressed a commitment to enhancing Japan’s Self-Defence Forces and has been outspoken about controversial issues such as her visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead.
As Takaichi prepares to potentially take the helm as Japan’s first female prime minister, her leadership will be pivotal in navigating the challenges facing the nation, including declining birth rates and rising geopolitical tensions. Her dedication to shaping policies that reflect personal experiences in caregiving and women’s rights resonates with many citizens, creating a hopeful outlook for her administration’s impact on Japanese society.