Sanae Takaichi, former economic security minister, became the 104th prime minister of Japan on 21 October 2025. Despite the sudden collapse of the 26-year partnership between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, Takaichi prevailed.

As a seasoned politician, having won 10 elections since 1993, Takaichi’s political positions are broadly known. Seen as a protege of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, she favours economic expansion, through loose monetary and fiscal regimes. As for national security, at least by Japanese standards, she brings a hawkish stance with her support for anti-espionage legislation and revisions to Japan’s pacifist constitution.

What is unknown is her leadership ability, which is particularly consequential, following the LDP’s successive election defeats that robbed the party of its majorities in the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives. Takaichi now needs to fortify a weakened party, manage a new coalition government and lead the country. Her challenges are formidable.

Read more at: https://eastasiaforum.org/2025/10/24/no-feminist-fanfare-for-japans-first-female-prime-minister/