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Japan's First Female Prime Minister Faces Challenges Amid Controversies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Sanae Takaichi, the 64-year-old leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has become Japan's first female prime minister, facing a daunting task to address the country's pressing issues and restore voter trust. Her appointment follows a closely contested election, where she won a majority in the first round of voting in the lower house of parliament. Takaichi's government is expected to welcome US President Donald Trump on October 27, marking her first major challenge. Despite her promise to form a government with "Nordic" numbers of women, her cabinet composition has raised eyebrows, with only two women among the 19 appointed members.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sanae Takaichi, aged 64, is Japan's first female prime minister, elected after winning a majority in the lower house of parliament.
  • She faces a significant challenge in restoring voter trust, particularly among women, who have expressed concerns over her conservative views and patriarchal societal implications.
  • Takaichi's cabinet consists of only 2 women, Satsuki Katayama as finance minister and Kimi Onoda as economic security minister, among the 19 appointed members.
  • Her appointment has sparked controversy given her stance on issues such as same-sex marriage, male-only succession, and her opposition to revising a 19th-century law requiring married couples to share the same surname.
  • The LDP remains in a minority in both houses of parliament, and Takaichi's government will need support from other parties to pass legislation.
  • Takaichi's economic policies, including sweeping tax cuts, are in contrast to her counterpart, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, but align with Thatcher's stance on lower government spending.
  • Japan's patriarchal society ranks 118 out of 148 in the World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, with over 85% of MPs being men.

Statistics:

  • Over 85% of MPs in Japan are men, while only around 15% are women, ranking the country 118 out of 148 in the World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Gender Gap Report.
  • The country's lower house of parliament has only 15% female MPs.
  • Japan's imperial family succession rules are male-only, sparking controversy among those who advocate for reform.
  • Only 2 women have been appointed to Takaichi's cabinet, out of 19 positions.
  • The LDP has been criticized for its handling of a slush fund scandal and its conservative views on women's rights and same-sex marriage.

Sources:

  • [no specific source mentioned]
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from The New Nation.

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