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Staunch conservative Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan’s first female prime minister by parliament on Tuesday, in a landmark moment for the historically patriarchal country where both politics and workplaces are dominated by older men.

Takaichi steps into the role as Japan faces mounting economic woes and a fractured politics, and just days before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit.

The 64-year old Takaichi, who is a heavy metal drummer and motorcycle enthusiast, grew up in Nara near Osaka. Her arrival at the pinnacle of Japanese politics tops a remarkable rise, from TV presenter to flag bearer of traditional and nationalist ideals.

In her first news conference as prime minister on Tuesday night, Takaichi focused heavily on economic issues and advancing Japan’s interests, saying that she will “work boldly and tirelessly, unafraid of change” for “the nation and its people.”

A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has laid claim to his conservative legacy. She becomes the fourth prime minister to hold office since he stepped down in 2020, reflecting the political deadlock in the world’s fourth largest economy

Like Abe, she supports revising Japan’s pacifist constitution and has visited a controversial war shrine that includes the names of those convicted of war crimes during World War II – both issues that spark anger in neighboring China and South Korea, who are also vital trade partners for Japan.

She also opposes same-sex marriage, and a growing movement to allow married couples to use separate surnames.

Some of these stances, such as her hawkish views on China, could complicate Japan’s regional relationships. And within Japan, some worry about her economic proposals – to spend big and cut taxes – as the country struggles with sky-high inflation and living costs.

She has openly aspired to be like Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to become British prime minister – known as the “Iron Lady,” a nickname that has since been used for Takaichi herself

“Like Thatcher, (Takaichi) is a conservative and she is also a woman in a male-dominated world,” said Shihoko Goto, vice president of programs at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

“That said, Thatcher was then – Japan is now. It’s facing a great deal of change, it’s facing a lot of internal domestic pressure … She will be expected, first and foremost, to deal with those immediate threats.”

In her news conference Tuesday night, Takaichi said that she will “build a strong Japanese economy and protect Japan’s national interests at all costs through diplomacy and security.”

Vowing to “reclaim Japan’s diplomacy and let it flourish at the center of the world,” Takaichi said that “Japan faces a major crisis from within and without. There is no time to stand still.”

She noted that she will soon be meeting with Trump, adding that she will work to “elevate Japan-US relations to new heights.”

Japan’s neighbors offered lukewarm responses to news of her win on Tuesday, with China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying it had “noted the election results” and hoped for a “mutually beneficial relationship.”

A South Korean foreign ministry spokesperson similarly promised to continue cooperating with “Japan’s new Cabinet,” without naming Takaichi, according to news agency

Unlike many of her male peers, Takaichi doesn’t come from a political dynasty. She was born in Nara, a city frequented by tourists for its wild deer, to a father who worked for a car company and a mother who was a police officer.

Before entering politics, she interned for a US Democratic congresswoman and worked as a TV commentator.

Since joining the ruling LDP party, Takaichi has been elected as a member of parliament nine times. She’s held multiple cabinet posts, including on gender equality and demographic issues, and chaired the party’s Policy Research Council. Most recently, she served as minister of economic security under the administration of Fumio Kishida.

She was elected leader of the LDP earlier in October, beating more moderate candidates. It suggested a rightward turn for the scandal-hit party, which suffered bruising losses in the last two parliamentary elections after discontented voters switched to new far-right groups.

But now as prime minister, she’ll have to answer to the populace of 120 million Japanese. Tackling the high price of goods will be one of her first challenges; for instance, the price of rice, a staple food in Japan, has almost doubled from last year.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/10/20/asia/japan-female-prime-minister-sanae-takaichi-intl-hnk?Date=20251021&Profile=cnnbrk&utm_content=1761027027&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

More problems for immigrants

Congratulations 👏 👏 👏 👏
Congratulations 👏👏👏👏👏

Congratulations



To her

so what should we do. the job of a president is more suited for a male

The Future is nothing but Female

Congratulations to her

High time w realize that for the world to get peace, women need to be on top

Sadly, Nigeria narrowly missed electing its first female president in 2023. Obi shouldn’t give up, she really tried in 2023

Shawarmagirl:
I will rule Nigeria one day, and the gate of hell shall not prevail.

Don't get ahead of yourself. Start from the senate or becoming a governor.

Nigeria doesn't have an elected female governor yet; break that record.

If you follow trends, you will notice that only former governors will be president going forward.

Congratulations to Madam Takaichi.

Sounds a bit weird that Japan one time was an oppressor to China...

Congratulations to her..

Pootle:
so what should we do. the job of a president is more suited for a male

Who made this law? Mak una d play

Make we come fry beans for Akara?

She said she will work boldly and tirelessly, unafraid of change. I think she wants to follow the footsteps of JAGABAN who removed the generational fraudulent Fuel and FOREX subsidies which had enriched the evil elites in the country. This is something that past leaders including two Major Generals, and two full Generals could not do for decades

She will not do much as the prime minister..

She may only succeed in policies favouring/empowering women over men, just as the queen of England did to the UK and her influence throughout Europe and US..

And thank God Kamala Harris didn't win the previous poll...

Congratulations Hiroshima Nagasaki... sorry Sanae Takaichi.

Here in our zoo, they will bring all sorts of religions and tribal bigotry to fight it to stand still.

Wow. I think this might just be the push Japan needs. I support her ideals and stan a real femist. Not these hungry girls typing online

Right wing conservative hardliner, immigrants bout to face some tuff times

Jeffchibunna4:
Igbo Amaka......

Free Maxi Nnamdi kanu now

After 2050. We are charging him for Felony and he will be jailed for long

Shawarmagirl:
I will rule Nigeria one day, and the gate of hell shall not prevail.

Biafra you mean. Correct yourself please

APCNig:
After 2050. He are charging him for Felony

I said Igbo Amaka 🎯



Free Maxi Nnamdi kanu now

Another Trump in power!

The world is no longer safe!

Remained Nigeria own! When we gonna give women chance,to rule us

saphiere:
High time w realize that for the world to get peace, women need to be on top

Generally a most desirable position ma'aam.

PDPdestroyer:
Sadly, Nigeria narrowly missed electing its first female president in 2023. Obi shouldn’t give up, she really tried in 2023

It will be difficult for you to make Heaven. Don’t let AdaObi’s supporters catch you for Isolo oooo

YoungLionken:
She will not do much as the prime minister..

She may only succeed in policies favouring/empowering women over men, just as the queen of England did to the UK and her influence throughout Europe and US..

And thank God Kamala Harris didn't win the previous poll...

Elizabeth 2 R. did no such thing.

YoungLionken:
She will not do much as the prime minister..

She may only succeed in policies favouring/empowering women over men, just as the queen of England did to the UK and her influence throughout Europe and US..

And thank God Kamala Harris didn't win the previous poll...

If Kamala had won, it would have be one a criminal offence to look at women

President Donald J. Trump would like her.
Conservatives are on the rise globally.

Is President Tinubu a radical left or right?

APCNig:
Make we come fry beans for Akara?

She said she will work boldly and tirelessly, unafraid of change. I think she wants to follow the footsteps of JAGABAN who removed the generational fraudulent Fuel and FOREX subsidies which had enriched the evil elites in the country. This is something that past leaders including two Major Generals, and two full Generals could not do for decades

THERE WAS NEVER ANYTHING LIKE FOREX SUBSIDY.