Takaichi, 64, a conservative known for her strong stance on China and admiration for former British leader Margaret Thatcher, assumes office as Japan’s fifth prime minister in as many years. She will lead a minority government grappling with a sluggish economy, political scandals, and a looming visit from U.S. President Donald Trump next week.
The lower house of parliament elected Takaichi after she narrowly won a majority in the first round of voting. Following a subsequent endorsement by the upper house, she is set to be formally inaugurated after meeting Emperor Naruhito later on Tuesday.
A long-time member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Takaichi rose to the party’s top position on October 4. However, her leadership was swiftly tested when the LDP’s coalition partner, the Komeito party, withdrew over concerns about her conservative positions and the party’s ongoing slush fund scandal.
To secure a working government, Takaichi struck an alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP) on Monday evening. The JIP has campaigned for lower consumption taxes on food, a ban on corporate donations, and a reduction in the number of lawmakers.
In her first remarks as leader, Takaichi pledged to "make Japan’s economy stronger and reshape Japan as a country that can be responsible for future generations."
Residents in her hometown of Nara described her as a determined and principled leader. "She’s a strong-minded person, regardless of being a woman," said 76-year-old pensioner Toru Takahashi. "She’s not like Trump, but she’s clear about what’s right and wrong."
Takaichi has promised a "Nordic-style" cabinet with a record number of women, a sharp contrast to her predecessor Shigeru Ishiba’s administration, which had only two. Among those tipped for senior roles are right-wing lawmaker Satsuki Katayama for finance and half-American Kimi Onoda as economic security minister.
Despite her breakthrough, gender inequality remains a pressing issue in Japan. The country ranks 118th out of 148 in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, with women holding just 15 percent of seats in the lower house and occupying few positions in corporate leadership.
Takaichi has spoken openly about women’s health issues, including her experience with menopause, but she maintains traditional views on family policy, opposing separate surnames for married couples and supporting male-only succession in the imperial family.
Supporters hope her leadership will inspire more gender-sensitive policies. "I’d be happy if we saw more support for childcare and for women returning to work," said university student Nina Terao, 18.
Takaichi’s administration faces steep challenges, including reviving Japan’s stagnant economy, addressing population decline, and navigating fraught relations with China and Russia.
Her government also faces pressure from Washington to halt Russian energy imports and increase defence spending, with the two countries expected to discuss a proposed $500 billion trade and investment package during Trump’s upcoming visit.
Domestically, the new prime minister must also restore public confidence in the LDP after a series of electoral setbacks. Smaller populist parties, such as the anti-immigration Sanseito, are gaining ground among disillusioned voters.
"She’ll need to prove she can lead decisively," said pensioner Satoshi Sakamoto, 73. "I hope she can say ‘no’ when necessary."
Takaichi, a former heavy metal drummer turned politician, inherits a nation in flux, one eager for reform but wary of change. Whether she can balance Japan’s conservative traditions with the demands of modern leadership will define not only her premiership but also Japan’s political future.
AFP
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