EXPLAINERNews|PoliticsWho is Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ and first female prime minister?Takaichi, an admirer of Margaret Thatcher, is a social conservative and faces a range of challenges stepping into office.
Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan's first female prime minister following a successful leadership vote in the legislature. Her appointment is to be formalized after a meeting with Emperor Naruhito on Tuesday, solidifying her historic achievement.
Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan's first female prime minister following a successful leadership vote in the legislature. Her appointment is to be formalized after a meeting with Emperor Naruhito on Tuesday, solidifying her historic achievement.
Takaichi, aged 64, commenced her political career in the 1990s as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Born in Nara prefecture, she graduated from Kobe University. Her background contrasts with many senior LDP members, who typically graduated from elite institutions.
She is recognized as a protege of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, having served in various cabinet positions under his leadership and that of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Takaichi's political alignment is conservative. She is an advocate of economic policies akin to "Abenomics," which focus on fiscal expansion, monetary easing, and structural reform. On social issues, she opposes same-sex marriage and advocates for a traditional approach to imperial succession, favoring male heirs.
Known for her strong stance on security, Takaichi supports a robust military presence and maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Her visits to Taiwan have been contentious, reflecting her position as a "China hawk."
Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan's first female prime minister following a successful leadership vote in the legislature.
Her visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, a memorial that includes World War II war criminals, have also been a source of controversy.
Takaichi's leadership is expected to continue Japan's conservative trajectory, with a potential shift further to the right. Her focus will likely include strengthening defense capabilities and maintaining US-Japan relations. Despite her conservative stance, Japan's social welfare system is expected to remain unchanged.
Takaichi will be Japan's fourth prime minister in five years, assuming leadership from a challenging position. The LDP, having lost its majority in both legislative houses, recently formed an alliance with the Japan Innovation Party to secure her leadership victory.
Her administration will need to address pressing issues such as Japan's cost of living crisis, the impact of US trade policies, and long-term security challenges related to China and North Korea. Additionally, the LDP is managing the fallout from a significant corruption scandal.
To maintain her position, Takaichi may need to moderate her approach to avoid a potential no-confidence vote from the legislature.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.