Japan Elects First Female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi 

Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae has been designated as the 104th Prime Minister.

The social media account of the PM’s Office of Japan announcing the election of Prime Minister Takaichi on Tuesday.

Why It Matters: Sanae Takaichi’s election makes her the first woman to lead Japan, a key U.S. ally and the world’s fourth largest economy. As leader of the country’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Takaichi plans to address rising prices, labor challenges, and defense spending. 

What Critics Say: “While Takaichi made history by becoming the first leader of a country where men still largely hold sway, she has not promoted gender equality or diversity. 

An admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is among the Japanese politicians who have stonewalled measures for women’s advancement. She supports the imperial family’s male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.” (AP) 

Learn More:  

• What to expect for Japan’s economy under Sanae Takaichi, its 1st female prime minister (ABC News) 
• Japan’s parliament elects Sanae Takaichi as nation’s first female prime minister (AP) 

Image Credit: Prime Minister’s Office of Japan