Tokyo (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister, marking a historic shift as her right-wing alliance faces economic and political instability.
As reported by Sky News, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female minister by parliament.
How many votes did Sanae Takaichi win to become the female PM?
Sanae Takaichi secured 237 of 465 lower house votes and is expected to claim a majority in the upper house before taking office today.
The lower house vote came after Ms Takaichi’s Liberal Democrats allied with the Japan Innovation Party ahead of Tuesday’s vote.
The Liberal Democrats secured a last-minute agreement after losing their long-term partner, the centrist, Buddhist-backed Komeito.
Last month, the sitting Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Ms Takaichi’s party announced his resignation.
Her victory marks a historic first for women, while Ms Takaichi’s rise also signals a sharp turn to the right.
Ms Takaichi, inspired by Margaret Thatcher, assumes power as Japan faces growing public concern over rising living costs and immigration issues.
Increasing costs in Japan have sparked public outrage, boosting support for opposition groups such as the Sanseito party.
The newly elected prime minister’s alliance still lacks a majority in both houses, requiring support from opposition groups and raising questions about her government’s stability.
Ms Takaichi stated at the signing ceremony that,
“Political stability is essential right now. Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”
She has previously shown little urgency in advancing gender equality or diversity.
Ms Takaichi also resisted measures for women’s advancement, supports male-only imperial succession, and rejects same-sex marriage and separate married surnames.
What did Kei Okamura say about Takaichi’s foreign policy approach?
Kei Okamura of Neuberger Berman said Sane Takaichi will be “very, very careful” in communicating her positions, particularly regarding foreign policy.
He added,
“Her views on China and Korea have also been very well flagged. But she also understands that she has to maintain very good relations with all these countries, especially also with the United States, just because all of them have a very big impact in terms of Japan’s biggest export destinations.”
Which immigration reforms has Sane Takaichi announced?
Sanae Takaichi has announced a tougher stance on immigration with a focus on imposing stricter regulations. She promotes stricter immigration rules and policing of foreigners to address cultural and social concerns.
Japan under her leadership is expected to avoid a comprehensive immigration overhaul and focus on restrictive policies.
What are Sane Takaichi’s policies?
Sane Takaichi backs proactive government spending, heavy investment in strategic sectors like AI, semiconductors, and defense.
She supports expansionary monetary policy, flexible fiscal spending in crises, and bold investments while advocating corporate tax increases.
Ms Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage legalization, female succession to the imperial throne, and married women keeping maiden names.
Who is the first female prime minister in the world?
Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka became the world’s first female prime minister on July 21, 1960. She first served as Prime Minister from 1960 to 1965 and later held the office for two more terms.
The first female Prime Minister in the Muslim world was Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan. She served from 1988-1990.