Japan's First Woman PM: Sanae Takaichi's Conservative Rise to Power in Japanese Politics

Sanae Takaichi has secured election as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader in Japan, positioning her to become the country's first female prime minister. Following a competitive runoff against Shinjiro Koizumi, former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's son, Takaichi emerged victorious after no candidate achieved a majority in the initial voting round. The parliamentary vote to confirm the next prime minister is scheduled for October 15.

At 64 years old, Takaichi has established herself as a prominent conservative figure within the LDP's right wing. Her rise comes against the backdrop of significant gender disparity in Japanese politics, where women constitute merely 15% of the lower house representatives and only two women serve as prefectural governors. Despite her historic achievement, many experts remain doubtful about what her leadership means for gender equality in Japan.

Professor Yuki Tsuji of Tokai University, specializing in gender politics, notes that Takaichi "has no interest in women's rights or gender equality policies." Throughout her career, she has consistently opposed initiatives designed to enhance women's societal roles.

Takaichi has steadfastly supported the LDP's traditional view positioning women primarily as mothers and wives. She has opposed same-sex marriage, female imperial succession, and legislation that would permit married couples to maintain different surnames.

Interestingly, she has shared her personal experiences with menopause, advocating for better male education about women's health issues to improve support for women in professional and educational environments.

Since her first election from Nara in 1993, Takaichi has held numerous significant positions, including responsibilities for economic security, internal affairs, and gender equality. She cites Margaret Thatcher as a political inspiration and strongly aligns with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's conservative vision.

Before her political career, Takaichi performed as a heavy-metal drummer and enjoyed motorcycling. Her policy priorities include increased defense spending, nuclear fusion research, enhanced cybersecurity measures, fiscal stimulus for economic growth, and stricter immigration regulations.

In foreign policy, Takaichi is considered hawkish. She embraces revisionist views on Japan's wartime history and regularly visits the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, actions that strain relations with neighboring countries. While she has been reticent about her immediate agenda should she become prime minister, analysts characterize her approach as tough toward China and cautious regarding South Korea.

Her hardline positions may create challenges for the ruling coalition with the centrist Komeito party, though she has indicated willingness to work with far-right groups.