TOKYO — In a landmark moment for Japan, Sanae Takaichi, a 64-year-old hardline conservative, was elected the nation’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, by lawmakers in the lower house of parliament with a vote of 237-149 against Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the liberal Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP). A second vote in the upper house confirmed her victory with a 125-46 margin after she fell one vote short of a majority in the initial round. Takaichi’s election as leader of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) marks a historic shift in a country where women remain significantly underrepresented in politics.
A Milestone Amid Political Turmoil
Takaichi’s ascension breaks new ground in Japan, where only 10% of lower house lawmakers are women, one of the lowest rates among developed nations. A veteran politician and protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has served in key roles, including minister of economic security, internal affairs, and gender equality. Her platform, rooted in conservative values, calls for a stronger military, stricter immigration policies, and revising Japan’s pacifist constitution—positions that align with Abe’s legacy but face resistance in a politically divided landscape.
Takaichi’s path to leadership was fraught with challenges. Elected LDP leader earlier this month after unsuccessful bids in 2021 and 2024, her victory was jeopardized when the LDP’s longtime coalition partner, the centrist Komeito party, withdrew support amid voter frustration over LDP corruption scandals and rising living costs. To secure her premiership, the LDP struck a last-minute deal on Monday with the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), a right-leaning group, pulling the coalition further to the right but failing to deliver a parliamentary majority in either house.
“Her coalition is shaky, and she’s starting with a weakened mandate,” said Jeff Kingston, a professor of Asian studies at Temple University’s Japan campus. “The LDP’s recent electoral losses and public distrust make her leadership an uphill battle.”
Immediate Challenges: Economy and Diplomacy
Takaichi assumes office at a critical juncture. Japan’s economy, grappling with inflation and stagnant wages, demands urgent attention. “Job one is stabilizing the economy,” Kingston noted, pointing to public discontent over rising costs as a key driver of recent LDP setbacks. Structural issues, including Japan’s aging population and labor shortages, further complicate her agenda.
Diplomatically, Takaichi faces an immediate test with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit next week, his first to Asia since returning to office. Trump’s itinerary includes stops in Malaysia and Japan before a major Asia-Pacific economic summit in South Korea. The visit, expected to focus on trade and regional security, will challenge Takaichi’s limited diplomatic experience. “She has little time to prepare for high-stakes international engagements,” Kingston added.
A Polarizing Figure with a Bold Vision
Takaichi’s conservative stance has sparked both admiration and concern. Her push to amend Article 9 of Japan’s constitution, which renounces war, aligns with growing regional tensions, particularly with China and North Korea. However, her hardline immigration policies and nationalist rhetoric, including visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine honoring war dead, have drawn criticism from progressive groups and neighboring countries like South Korea.
Supporters view her as a bold reformer capable of modernizing Japan’s defense and economy. Critics, however, warn that her right-wing shift risks alienating moderates and deepening domestic divisions. “Takaichi’s leadership will test Japan’s appetite for conservative change,” said political analyst Yuki Tatsumi of the Stimson Center in Tokyo.
Uncertain Future for Japan’s First Female PM
With no parliamentary majority, Takaichi must navigate a fractured political landscape to advance her agenda. The LDP’s dominance, nearly unbroken since World War II, faces growing scrutiny following scandals involving undisclosed political donations and slush funds. Public approval for the LDP has dipped to historic lows, with polls showing only 30% support ahead of the election.
Takaichi’s coalition with Ishin, while securing her premiership, may complicate governance, as the party’s regional focus and populist policies clash with the LDP’s traditional priorities. Meanwhile, opposition leader Noda and the CDP are poised to capitalize on public discontent, potentially forcing snap elections if Takaichi’s government falters.
As Japan’s first female prime minister, Takaichi’s leadership carries symbolic weight, but her success hinges on addressing economic woes, managing coalition tensions, and navigating a complex global stage. With Trump’s visit looming and domestic challenges mounting, her tenure promises to be a defining chapter in Japan’s modern history.
