Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi made history by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, breaking through the nation’s glass ceiling and signaling a shift towards the right. A loyal follower of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and an admirer of Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi secured 237 votes in the lower house election, which determined the next premier in the 465-seat chamber.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged Takaichi’s groundbreaking achievement, expressing eagerness to enhance the EU-Japan partnership under her leadership. Prime Minister Mark Carney also extended congratulations to Takaichi, recognizing the outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for his service.
Takaichi’s election as the 104th Japanese prime minister represents a significant milestone in a nation where male dominance has been prevalent. However, her victory is expected to steer Japan towards a more conservative stance on issues such as immigration and social policies.
To secure her win, Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a dominant force in Japan’s postwar history, formed a coalition with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin. Although the coalition falls short of a majority in the lower house of the National Diet, Japan’s parliament, it signals a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.
Amidst public discontent over rising prices after years of deflation, Takaichi is anticipated to follow a similar economic strategy as Abe, emphasizing government spending to revitalize the economy. This approach, dubbed the “Takaichi trade,” has propelled the Nikkei share average to record highs, albeit raising concerns among investors about Japan’s escalating debt burden.
As she embarks on her premiership, Takaichi prioritizes defense and national security, pledging to boost Japan’s defense budget and enhance cooperation with the United States and other security allies. Known for her conservative views, Takaichi advocates for revising Japan’s pacifist constitution to acknowledge the nation’s military forces, opposing same-sex marriage and advocating against allowing married couples to retain separate surnames.
Takaichi, a seasoned politician with a background in business management, entered Japanese politics in the early 1990s and rose through the ranks within the LDP. She is married to former LDP politician Taku Yamamoto, who has faced health challenges following a stroke earlier this year.
In her cabinet appointments, Takaichi named two women to key positions, with Satsuki Katayama becoming Japan’s first female finance minister and Kimi Onoda serving as economic security minister. Takaichi’s commitment to increasing female representation in the cabinet reflects Japan’s aim to align with its G7 counterparts in gender parity.
Overall, Takaichi’s ascension to the prime ministership signifies a pivotal moment in Japanese politics, with expectations of a conservative shift under her leadership.