Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Japan has made history. On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Sanae Takaichi was chosen as the country’s first female prime minister.

Takaichi is 64 and a senior member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). She won a parliamentary vote to get the job. She received 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 in the Upper House,just enough to secure a simple majority.

Her win comes at a difficult time for the LDP, which has faced scandals and falling public trust. She is the fourth person to lead Japan in the last five years.

Many people see her victory as both a political reset and a major step for women. Japan ranks low among G7 nations for gender equality, and women hold fewer than 10% of seats in parliament. Having a woman as prime minister is a powerful symbol of change.

Takaichi must restore trust in government, manage rising living costs, and handle tense relations with nearby countries. Whether she keeps the party’s traditional path or pushes for fresh ideas, her election marks a new chapter for Japan.