Sanae Takaichi: Japan's Ambitious 'Iron Lady' Set to Make History

Fri Oct 10 2025 14:31:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, aims to become Japan's first female prime minister, channeling her inner 'Iron Lady' amidst a backdrop of political challenge and societal change.

Sanae Takaichi has achieved a milestone as the leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, positioning herself to become the country's first female prime minister. A conservative politician with a diverse background, Takaichi faces the challenge of restoring trust in the party while addressing the demands of a transforming society. Known for her strong stance on traditional values, she also exhibits a willingness to adapt policies that support working families.

Japan's political landscape is at a critical juncture as Sanae Takaichi emerges as a significant figure in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). At 64, she has recently been elected the LDP leader, making her a candidate to become Japan's first female prime minister.

Her journey to this pivotal role was marked by persistence; after two previous attempts, she finally clinched the leadership position on the party's 70th anniversary. Takaichi, a former government minister, television host, and even a heavy metal drummer, is now tasked with revitalizing a party marred by scandals.

Born in Nara Prefecture, Takaichi's fascination with politics ignited in the 1980s during US-Japan trade tensions. Observing how Japan's identity was often conflated with other Asian nations propelled her into a political career aimed at enhancing Japan's self-defense and international standing.

Despite initial setbacks in her quest for leadership, she has been a formidable presence in the LDP, known for her outspoken conservative views and a track record of government roles including internal affairs and communications minister.

Throughout her campaign, Takaichi expressed her ambition to be Japan's own 'Iron Lady,' drawing comparisons to the revered former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. With parliament expected to confirm her appointment soon, she aims to navigate a political landscape characterized by discontent and a rise in far-right sentiment.

Takaichi's political ideology is strongly conservative, having opposed progressive measures such as recognizing same-sex marriage and preserving traditional naming conventions for married women. Nonetheless, she has signaled a willingness to adapt to societal changes, proposing support for working families by making babysitter fees tax-deductible and advocating for corporate childcare initiatives.

Takaichi represents both continuity and change within the conservative paradigm of Japan's political system, as she seeks to reclaim lost trust and restore the LDP's dominance against an increasingly challenging backdrop.