Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

• Sanae Takaichi, aged 64, has become Japan’s first-ever female Prime Minister.

• She was elected by Japan’s Parliament (Diet) after winning:

  • 237 votes in the Lower House, and

  • 125 votes in the Upper House.

• Represents a major milestone in Japan’s political history, long dominated by male leaders.

2. Political Background

• She is the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) — Japan’s dominant conservative party since 1955.

• Takaichi defeated four male candidates in the LDP leadership race (October 2025).

• Her path to the premiership seemed uncertain after Komeito (LDP’s coalition partner) withdrew support.

• However, she secured power by striking a last-minute deal with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), also known as Ishin, a right-leaning opposition group.

3. Political Profile

• Known for strong conservative and nationalist views.

• Nicknamed “Japan’s Iron Lady”, inspired by former UK PM Margaret Thatcher, whom she admires.

• A close ally of the late Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving PM.

• Previously held several ministerial portfolios, including Internal Affairs and Communications.

• Has run for PM in the past but only succeeded in 2025.

4. Domestic Challenges

• Economic Concerns:

  • Japan is facing a rising cost of living and economic stagnation.

  • Public frustration has grown amid slow wage growth and aging population pressures.

• Political Instability:

  • Takaichi is Japan’s fourth PM in just five years, reflecting frequent leadership changes.

• Social Policies:

  • She opposes same-sex marriage and retaining maiden surnames for married women — both popular issues among younger voters.

  • These positions have led some critics to argue that she upholds traditional patriarchal norms rather than promoting gender equality.

• Proposed Reforms:

  • Expansion of women’s health services in hospitals.

  • Better recognition and support for household and care workers.

5. Foreign Policy Challenges

• US Relations:

  • Faces an early test with a scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump.

  • Must manage tensions over:

    • Security treaty contributions, and

    • Tariff and trade negotiations.

  • Trump has previously questioned the US-Japan Security Alliance, demanding higher Japanese defense spending.

• China:

  • Takaichi is considered hawkish toward China, echoing Abe’s stance.

  • Expected to maintain a firm security posture amid rising tensions in the East and South China Seas.

• South Korea:

  • Relations with Seoul may strain due to her nationalist views on historical disputes (e.g., wartime labor and comfort women issues).

• Regional Security:

  • Her leadership comes amid increasing North Korean missile tests and Indo-Pacific power shifts.

6. Public Reaction and Gender Debate

• Her election is seen as symbolic progress for women in Japan, a nation ranked low in gender equality indices.

• However, young women and progressives remain skeptical:

  • Critics argue her conservative policies may not translate into real gender reforms.

• Student Ayda Ogura, 21, summarized this sentiment:

  “It’s historic, but her policies perpetuate the patriarchal system rather than dismantling it.”

7. Key Takeaways for UPSC

8. UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper II (International Relations):

  • India–Japan relations may evolve under new leadership.

  • Impact on Indo-Pacific security, QUAD cooperation, and defense partnerships.

• GS Paper I (Society):

  • Women’s representation in politics — case study of Japan’s gender gap.

• Essay / Ethics:

  • Leadership and ideology — comparing symbolic representation vs. substantive empowerment.

• Current Affairs Section:

  • Possible Prelims/GS/Interview questions:

    • Who became Japan’s first female Prime Minister in 2025?

    • Which party does Sanae Takaichi lead?

    • Which opposition party supported her government?

    • What are her key domestic and foreign policy challenges?