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Japan has scripted history again. Sanae Takaichi, known as the Iron Lady of Japan, has now become Japan’s first-ever female Prime Minister, sending a positive message to millions of women around the globe.
A Long Journey
Sanae Takaichi
The long journey of 64-year-old Sanae Takaichi from a humble background to the highest political office did not happen overnight. An avid admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has finally achieved her lifelong dream after her two previous unsuccessful attempts.
A protégé of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi represents the hardline wing of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Her leadership marks a new era not only for Japan’s politics but also for its women, many of whom have long faced barriers in male-dominated workplaces.
Her victory in the parliamentary vote was decisive, she won 237 votes in the Lower House, avoiding a runoff. Backed by a new coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, Takaichi’s win signals a strong mandate for conservative leadership.
From Small-Town to National Capital
Sanae Takaichi was born and raised in Nara Prefecture, near Japan’s ancient capital. She grew up in a humble background. While her father worked in a car parts factory, her mother was employed at a local police department.
She was never a politician with a traditional image. A fan of heavy metal music and an enthusiast about motorcycles, especially Kawasaki bikes, she had to travel six hours every day to attend university. “I dreamed of having my own castle,” she wrote in her 1992 memoir, a dream that today feels fully realized.
Challenges Ahead
After being elected to the highest political office, Prime Minister Takaichi faces enormous challenges as Japan’s economy is struggling with high inflation and rising living costs, while public displeasure with mainstream politics has fueled the rise of far-right movements.
A Warm Welcome from World Leaders
World leaders have congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her historic win. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, was among the first to extend his wishes, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“Heartiest congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports and some verified sources. The purpose is to inform and provide an analytical overview of Sanae Takaichi’s historic rise to Japan’s premiership. This is a developing news report. Please check the official websites for updates on further developments.
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Pronita Devi, an M.A. in Political Science, has spent over a decade in electronic and digital media. She regularly contributes insightful articles on geopolitics and current affairs, bringing clarity and depth to complex global issues.