Japan Makes History by Electing First Female Prime Minister Just Before Trump Visit
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In a monumental moment for Japan, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the country’s first female prime minister, marking a significant step forward for gender equality in the nation. Takaichi’s landmark victory comes just days before President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Japan for the first time since his re-election. The lower house of parliament voted 237-149 in favour of Takaichi over her closest rival, Yoshihiko Noda, while the upper house lawmakers backed her with a 125-46 vote.
In her acceptance speech, Takaichi expressed her dedication to the role, pledging to prioritise her responsibilities. She dismissed the notion of ‘work-life balance,’ emphasising her determination to work tirelessly. However, despite the historic nature of her election, some critics have raised concerns about Takaichi’s ultraconservative policies. Jeff Kingston, a professor of Asian studies and history at Temple University’s Japan campus, highlighted Takaichi’s questionable record on empowering women, casting doubt on the true significance of her victory.
At 64 years old, Takaichi now leads Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a position that carries great influence in shaping the country’s future direction. Known for her conservative views, Takaichi supports male primogeniture for the imperial family’s succession rules and opposes same-sex marriage. Her stance on maintaining maiden names for married women has also drawn criticism, especially considering her own decision to retain her maiden name professionally after marrying her husband, Taku Yamamoto.
Despite these concerns, Takaichi made a notable move by appointing two women to her Cabinet, including Satsuki Katayama, who became Japan’s first female finance minister. This gesture signals a small but important step towards gender equality in a country that has lagged behind in closing the gender gap. Japan, despite its strong economic standing, ranked a disappointing 118th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report.
As a protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and an admirer of former British PM Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi brings a mix of influences to her leadership. Her focus on economic issues during her campaign reflects the concerns of the Japanese population, particularly the rising cost of living. However, the road ahead poses challenges for the new prime minister, with her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, lasting only a year in office. Kingston emphasised the urgency for Takaichi to address diplomatic matters and economic stability promptly.
President Trump’s upcoming visit to Japan adds another layer of significance to Takaichi’s election. Scheduled to spend three days in the country starting on October 27, Trump’s trip follows engagements in Malaysia and precedes his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. Amidst tensions over trade negotiations, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a favourable deal with China, underscoring the global impact of such agreements.
In conclusion, Sanae Takaichi’s historic election as Japan’s first female prime minister marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape. While celebrated as a step towards gender equality, her ultraconservative policies have sparked debates about the true implications of her victory. As she assumes leadership amidst domestic and international challenges, Takaichi’s tenure will be closely watched for its impact on Japan and its relations with key global partners.