The Foreign Desk Explainer 490: Who is Japan’s new prime minister, other than a woman?
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Oct 22, 2025 Japan celebrates its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, whose historic rise raises questions about gender roles in a country struggling with gender equality. With a right-wing stance and a desire to revise Article 9, Takaichi faces challenges governing without a parliamentary majority. Comparisons to political figures like Thatcher highlight her complex approach to women's advancement. As she navigates the conservative landscape, her ability to maintain power will largely depend on her leadership skills and political maneuvering.
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Historic Yet Symbolic Breakthrough
- Sanae Takaichi's rise is notable because Japan rarely elects women to top office.
- Her ascent exposed Japan's deep gender gap despite symbolic progress.
Narrow Path To Power
- Takaichi became LDP leader after Ishiba resigned following electoral losses.
- Forming a coalition was hard and Komeito initially deserted the LDP.
Minority Government With Tech Tilt
- The LDP will attempt a minority government with the Japan Innovation Party leaning pro-digitalisation.
- That coalition signals deregulation and technological priorities despite political fragility.