Okay News reports that Japan has appointed its first-ever woman prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, after she secured a narrow victory in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election.
The 64-year-old conservative and former heavy metal drummer will lead a minority government. She gained approval from the lower house on Tuesday, with the upper house following in a runoff vote. Takaichi will formally assume office after meeting the emperor.
Her rise to power comes amid political turbulence, with the Komeito party leaving the coalition due to disagreements over Takaichi’s conservative views and an LDP slush fund scandal. To form a government, she partnered with the reformist, right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP), which advocates lower food taxes, ending corporate donations, and reducing the number of MPs.
Takaichi has promised to strengthen Japan’s economy and create policies that consider future generations. She also aims to increase female representation in the cabinet, currently low in Japan, and raise awareness about women’s health issues.
Public reaction in Nara, Takaichi’s hometown, is mixed. Pensioner Toru Takahashi praised her decisiveness, saying, “She’s clear about what’s right and wrong.” Student Nina Terao hopes her leadership will improve childcare support and opportunities for women returning to work.
Takaichi faces several challenges, including reviving the stagnant economy, boosting defense cooperation with the US and Taiwan, and addressing Japan’s declining population. She has moderated her previous hardline stance on China and has shown sensitivity toward national war memorials.
Her government will also work to restore the LDP’s popularity after recent poor election results and manage Japan’s trade and investment agenda, including plans for $500 billion in US-related investments.
