TOKYO, 21 October 2025: Japan’s parliament on Tuesday elected Sanae Takaichi as the nation’s first female prime minister, marking a historic political milestone and ending nearly eight decades of male leadership at the country’s highest executive level. The 64-year-old lawmaker and newly appointed leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured 237 votes in the 465-member lower house, surpassing the 233 needed for a majority.
Japan’s leadership transforms as Sanae Takaichi assumes office as the country’s first female PM. (Credit – WAM)
She defeated Yoshihiko Noda, the opposition leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who received 149 votes. The upper house of parliament also confirmed her appointment in a subsequent vote, completing the formal procedure for her to take office. Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, who announced his resignation earlier in the day following a year-long tenure marked by declining approval ratings and internal party dissatisfaction. His cabinet stepped down collectively in accordance with standard procedure, clearing the way for the new administration.
With her election, Takaichi assumes leadership of a country facing complex challenges, including slowing economic growth, heightened geopolitical tensions, and a rapidly aging population. She previously served in multiple cabinet roles, including as internal affairs minister and policy chief within the LDP. Her promotion to party president earlier this month positioned her as the frontrunner for the premiership under Japan’s parliamentary system, in which the lower house selects the prime minister.
New cabinet formed with minimal female representation
Takaichi’s rise has prompted a political realignment in the ruling coalition. The LDP’s long-standing partner, Komeito, withdrew from the alliance following her selection as party leader, citing policy disagreements. To maintain a governing majority, the LDP reached a new arrangement with the Japan Innovation Party. The revised coalition falls two seats short of an outright majority in the lower house, presenting a narrower path for legislative initiatives.
The new prime minister announced her 19-member cabinet shortly after the vote. It includes only two women: Satsuki Katayama as finance minister and Kimi Onoda as minister for economic security. Takaichi’s campaign had previously emphasized the importance of increasing female representation in leadership positions. Several key positions in the cabinet are held by senior lawmakers aligned with the LDP’s more conservative factions.
Markets respond to leadership transition with moderate gains
A longtime member of parliament, Takaichi is known for her policy experience in areas including regulatory reform, telecommunications, and national security. She has been a prominent advocate for constitutional revision and increased defense spending. Her leadership marks a continuation of key policy positions advanced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, under whom she served in cabinet roles.
Takaichi addressed the Diet following her confirmation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead and emphasizing the need for governmental stability and economic resilience. She is scheduled to deliver her first official policy speech at the upcoming extraordinary session of parliament, where her cabinet is expected to outline its legislative priorities. Financial markets reacted steadily to the political transition. The Nikkei 225 rose modestly in morning trading, with investors weighing the implications of continuity in fiscal and monetary policy.
The yen remained under pressure against the dollar amid ongoing concerns about inflation and import costs. Takaichi’s inauguration as Japan’s first woman prime minister comes more than 75 years after the country granted women the right to vote. Her elevation to the top government post is being seen as a significant moment in Japanese political history, although structural challenges regarding gender representation remain. Women currently account for less than 10 percent of Japan’s lower house lawmakers. – By Content Syndication Services.