After a key parliamentary vote on Tuesday, Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister. This is a big step forward for Japan’s male-dominated political scene. Her election marks a new era in Japanese politics. The country deals with economic problems, a lack of public trust, and complicated problems in the region.
Takaichi, 64, is a strong conservative and a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe. He has long supported nationalist ideas and a tougher foreign policy. She is known for her traditional values. Accordingly, she has promised to honor Abe’s legacy by pushing for changes to Japan’s pacifist constitution.
Her appointment comes just a few days before U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit Tokyo. This shows that Japan is once again putting a lot of effort into strengthening its strategic and economic ties with the U.S.
A pioneer with an unusual past
Takaichi does not come from a political dynasty, unlike most of her male predecessors. She was born in Nara to working-class parents. After working as an intern for a U.S. congresswoman, she started her career as a TV commentator. Eventually, she entered politics. She has held many cabinet positions over the course of her long career, including minister for gender equality and economic security.
Her leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) shows that Japanese politics are moving to the right. She led the LDP to form an unexpected coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin). This happened after beating more moderate candidates earlier this month. It was seen as a practical move to gain control of the parliament after years of scandals and turmoil within the party.
Problems Takaichi’s Government Has to Deal With
As prime minister, Takaichi has a lot of work to do to deal with inflation, rising living costs, and Japan’s long-term demographic crisis. Prices of basic goods like rice have almost doubled in the past year. This makes it even harder for families who are already having trouble. Their wages haven’t gone up.
She also has to deal with Japan’s shrinking workforce and quickly aging population. Additionally, she faces public anger over corruption scandals that have made people lose faith in the government.
Her strong views on same-sex marriage, national defense, and relations with China have gotten mixed reactions from people in the US and around the world. China and South Korea, two of her neighbors in the region, gave measured responses to her election. They said they hoped for stable and mutually beneficial relations.
A New “Iron Lady” for Japan
Takaichi has been called “Japan’s Iron Lady” because she has strong conservative values and a strong will. Experts say that her leadership will probably be more about fixing the LDP’s image than changing its policies.
“She has to change the name of her party and make long-lasting alliances in the midst of Japan’s political realignment,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University.
As problems grow at home and abroad, Takaichi’s rise is a turning point for Japan both symbolically and strategically. But for the new prime minister, it may be easier to break down barriers than to keep a country that is changing stable. Everyone is watching what she does next.
