Japan’s Parliament Confirms Sanae Takaichi As Nation’s First Female Prime Minister

Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female prime minister, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political landscape. At 64, she is no stranger to Japanese politics and takes office at a time when the nation’s political climate is highly turbulent. She is the fourth prime minister to hold office in just five years.

Takaichi has been a strong believer in Abenomics, the economic strategy introduced by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Economic reform was a key pillar of Abenomics, which played a major role in pulling Japan out of deflation. However, these policies also contributed to a sharp rise in government debt — a challenge that continues to persist today.

Takaichi has previously criticised the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise interest rates, arguing that higher rates increase operating costs for businesses and drive up consumer prices. She received 237 votes in the election held in the parliament’s 465-seat lower house on Tuesday.

Her cabinet includes only two women. Satsuki Katayama has made history as Japan’s first female finance minister, while Kimi Onoda has been appointed as minister for economic security, according to Reuters. During her campaign, Takaichi had pledged to increase the number of women in her cabinet to levels similar to socially progressive Nordic countries. Currently, women make up 36% of ministers in Denmark and 61% in Finland. In contrast, Japan’s percentage stands at just 16% — far from her stated goal.

Takaichi has also vowed to increase military spending and strengthen cooperation with the United States and other strategic partners. Shinjiro Koizumi will serve as Defence Minister, while veteran lawmaker Toshimitsu Motegi will take on the role of Foreign Minister.