Sanae Takaichi has made history as Japan’s first female prime minister, taking office on Tuesday after a tense parliamentary vote that also marks a clear return to conservative politics. Her rise, backed by the Liberal Democratic Party and its new right-wing allies, signals the start of a government eager to revive Abe-era policies on defence and the economy.
The hardline conservative, known for her admiration of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, secured 237 votes in parliament’s 465-seat lower house before winning a similar vote in the upper house. Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) clinched power after striking a coalition deal with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin).
Takaichi’s election marks a turning point for a country long dominated by male politicians. Yet her rise also signals a return to Abe-era fiscal policies and a tougher stance on immigration and defence.
“She represents a continuity of Abe’s vision, both economically and ideologically,” said Tadashi Mori, a political science professor at Aichi Gakuin University. “However, her administration will need broad cooperation from opposition lawmakers to maintain stability.”
Despite the new coalition, the LDP and Ishin remain two seats short of a majority in the lower house. Takaichi will need to negotiate with smaller parties to secure key parliamentary committees and pass her supplementary budget.
Her ascent comes amid one of the most fragmented political landscapes in Japan’s recent history. The LDP’s 26-year alliance with the centrist Komeito party collapsed earlier this month after Komeito refused to back Takaichi’s leadership bid.
Meanwhile, the emergence of the hard-right Sanseito Party has drawn conservative voters away from the LDP. Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya told public broadcaster NHK that he hopes Takaichi will “steer national politics back toward the centre-right” but warned that his party “won’t hesitate to oppose her when necessary.”
Financial markets reacted sharply to her victory, with Tokyo’s Nikkei share average hitting record highs in anticipation of renewed fiscal stimulus — dubbed the “Takaichi trade.” Investors expect her to revive Abenomics-style government spending to stimulate growth.
However, economists have raised concerns about Japan’s soaring debt and inflation. “Abenomics was designed to fight deflation, not inflation,” Mori noted. “Further stimulus in today’s environment risks weakening the yen even more.”
The yen and government bond prices both fell following her election, reflecting market unease about new spending in an economy already burdened by rising import costs and stagnant wages.
During her leadership campaign, Takaichi vowed to make defence and national security the cornerstones of her government. She has pledged to increase defence spending, strengthen ties with the United States and other allies, and push for a constitutional revision recognising Japan’s military forces.
Takaichi, 64, succeeds outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month after taking responsibility for the LDP’s election losses. She will be sworn in as Japan’s 104th prime minister on Tuesday evening.
Africa Digital News, New York
