Japan elects Sanae Takaichi as first female PM

October 21, 2025 (MLN): Japan has elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, marking a defining moment in the nation’s political history.

Takaichi secured victory in the lower house of parliament on Tuesday (Oct 21), officially becoming the country’s new leader and shattering a long-standing glass ceiling in a political landscape dominated by men, Bloomberg reported.

Her historic rise comes as Japan faces mounting economic and geopolitical challenges, from persistent inflation and a weakening yen to growing regional security concerns and domestic political unrest.

Among Takaichi’s first tasks will be forming a new cabinet, which she is expected to announce later on Tuesday.

She is also preparing for a series of diplomatic engagements, including a possible visit to Tokyo by U.S. President Donald Trump next week.

Takaichi’s rapid ascent follows her election as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) just over two weeks ago.

Since then, she has overseen a dramatic shake-up in Japan’s political alliances with the LDP’s long-time partner Komeito withdrawing from their coalition, and a new partnership forged with the opposition Japan Innovation Party (Ishin).

As Japan’s first woman to hold the top post, Takaichi’s leadership will be closely watched both at home and abroad  as she seeks to prove that her historic appointment can also herald a new era of stability and reform in Japanese politics.

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