Sanae Takaichi is expected to pursue a more assertive security policy and maintain close ties with the US amid tensions with China
Sanae Takaichi has become Japan’s first female prime minister after winning a parliamentary vote in Tokyo on Tuesday. The veteran Liberal Democratic (LDP) politician, often dubbed Japan’s “Iron Lady” after her political idol, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, is known for social conservatism, nationalism, and backing an expanded role for the country’s military.
Takaichi, 64, has supported revising the pacifist clause in Japan’s post-war constitution and formally recognizing Japan’s Self-Defense Forces as a national army. She has also supported higher defense spending and closer military cooperation with the US.
Her stance on national security has drawn comparisons to the policies of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom she shared close political ties and is considered to be his protege.
A long-time visitor to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead including convicted World War II criminals, Takaichi has often been criticized by neighboring countries for what they view as historical revisionism. She has framed the visits as personal acts of respect while also arguing that war crimes committed by Japanese soldiers have been exaggerated.
Domestically, Takaichi has opposed same-sex marriage, backed male-only imperial succession, and criticized proposals for separate surnames for married couples.
She has also argued for strengthening borders and implementing tighter immigration and refugee policies, while calling to tackle visa overstays, overtourism, and land purchases by foreigners, particularly near strategic assets.
On foreign policy, Takaichi has described China’s growing military power as a serious concern and has urged deterrence measures, including forming a security pact with the self-governing island of Taiwan.
Takaichi is also seen as unlikely to pursue any major rapprochement with Russia, as she has repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands, which were incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1945 as part of the post-war settlement.
Takaichi takes office at a difficult time for Japan, as the country faces a record-low birth rate, a rapidly ageing population, persistent inflation, and public anger over political scandals that have weakened trust in the ruling LDP.
