Sanae Takaichi, a 64-year-old conservative, has secured a historic victory to become Japan’s first female prime minister, marking her third attempt at the leadership position.
Known domestically as Japan’s “Iron Lady” for her hardline political stances and admiration for former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Ms. Takaichi is a prominent figure within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a political protégé of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Her election makes her the fourth prime minister in the last five years from the LDP, a party that has faced recent scandals and internal divisions.
Immediate Challenges and US Ties
Upon taking office, Ms. Takaichi faces immediate challenges, including tackling Japan’s sluggish economy and uniting a sometimes fractured ruling party. Her foreign policy will also focus on navigating the sometimes rocky relationship with the United States.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump congratulated Ms. Takaichi on her LDP leadership win, calling the result “tremendous news.” He described her as a “highly respected person of great wisdom and strength” and praised her role as the country’s first female leader.
In response to Mr. Trump’s message, Ms. Takaichi stated she was “very pleased” and expressed her hope of working together to make the US-Japan alliance “even stronger and more prosperous.” She has previously signaled her intention to maintain stability in bilateral ties by honouring a key investment deal with the former US leader.
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