By Abiola Olawale
Sanae Takaichi officially made history on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, by being elected as Japan’s first female prime minister following a parliamentary vote.
Takaichi, an ultraconservative leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured the top post after a coalition deal with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai).
The 64-year-old won a clear majority on Tuesday – 237 votes in the powerful Lower House and another 125 in the Upper House – as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
A staunch conservative and admirer of the late former UK PM Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi takes over at a challenging economic moment as Japan grapples with a rising cost of living and a frustrated public.
It’s also been an uncertain time for the world’s fourth-largest economy. She is the fourth PM in just five years, after her predecessors’ terms were cut short by plunging ratings and scandals.
Although she defeated four men to win the LDP race in early October, her path to the top job appeared to be blocked when the LDP’s long-time coalition partner, the Komeito party, withdrew support.
But a last-minute deal with another opposition party – the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP), known as Ishin – saved her. She and the LDP will face voters next in 2028.
At the age of 64, Takaichi is no stranger to Japanese politics.
A known ally of Abe, she has held several ministerial roles over her career and has run for the job of PM before.
She was elected LDP leader after its former leader and PM Shigeru Ishiba resigned following major losses in the midterm elections.
