Big Take The Rise of Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ and Its Political Shift to the Right
33 snips
Oct 7, 2025 Bloomberg reporter Paul Jackson, based in Tokyo, discusses the historic rise of Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first woman leader of the ruling party. They explore her conservative political stance, influenced by figures like Thatcher and Shinzo Abe, and why her views may not resonate with all women. Jackson addresses her policies aimed at increasing female workforce participation, Japan's struggle with inflation, and the implications of her leadership on U.S.-Japan relations and global populism.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unconventional Personal Backstory
- Sanae Takaichi grew up in Nara and was inspired by Margaret Thatcher as she entered politics after university in Kobe.
- She was a heavy metal drummer and biker before winning her first parliamentary seat in 1993, showing an unconventional personal background.
Assertive Foreign Policy, Interventionist Economics
- Takaichi aims to make Japan more assertive on defense and regional influence while differing from Thatcher economically.
- She favors a big-government, interventionist LDP approach rather than neoliberal small-government economics.
Right-Populist Social Conservatism
- Takaichi blends hardline conservatism with right-wing populist tactics, challenging elites and central bankers.
- Her positions on family names, LGBT rights and immigration align with conservative social policies despite being a female leader.