Japan has made history as Sanae Takaichi, 64, wins the leadership vote to become the nation’s first female prime minister.
Often dubbed Japan’s “Iron Lady” for her conservative resolve and admiration for former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi secured the top job after two previous unsuccessful bids.
A staunch member of the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) hardline faction and a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi now becomes the country’s fourth prime minister in just five years — a reflection of Japan’s recent political instability and frequent leadership turnovers.
Former US President Donald Trump previously praised Takaichi as a “highly respected person of great wisdom.”
Her tenure begins with daunting challenges: revitalizing Japan’s sluggish economy, managing a delicate US-Japan relationship, and bridging divisions within her scandal-plagued ruling party.
Analysts say her leadership style and policy priorities will be closely watched both at home and abroad as Japan enters a new political era under its first female leader.
