TOKYO: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday elected Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative, as its new leader, paving the way for her to become the country’s first female prime minister.

Takaichi, 64, succeeds Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and is expected to take office later this month. Her election marks a historic political shift in one of the world’s most male-dominated democracies.

LDP Seeks to Regain Public Trust Amid Economic Frustration

The LDP, which has governed Japan for most of the postwar era, chose Takaichi amid growing public frustration over rising living costs and increasing support for opposition parties advocating economic stimulus and stricter immigration controls.

Takaichi, who often cites former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her role model, has vowed to rebuild public confidence and strengthen Japan’s economy.

Promise of Inclusion but Conservative Views Persist

In her victory speech, Takaichi pledged to form a cabinet “with female representation like the Nordic countries.” Her predecessor’s cabinet had only two women ministers.

While Takaichi has spoken about raising awareness on women’s health issues, including her own experience with menopause, her views on gender equality remain deeply conservative.

She opposes reforming Japan’s 19th-century civil code requiring married couples to share a single surname and supports maintaining a male-only imperial succession system. She is also firmly opposed to same-sex marriage.

Experts Question Her Commitment to Gender Equality

According to Professor Yuki Tsuji of Tokai University, Takaichi’s leadership may bring symbolism but not substantial change.
“Takaichi has little interest in women’s rights or gender equality,” Tsuji said. “There is no prospect of major policy shifts compared to previous LDP administrations.”

Tsuji added that while Takaichi’s rise is symbolically important, “if she fails, negative perceptions of female leadership could become even stronger.”

Mixed Reactions Among the Public

The news of Japan’s first potential female prime minister has sparked both pride and skepticism.
“Now we can proudly tell the world that Japan is going to have its first female leader,” said Yuka, a 50-year-old Tokyo office worker. “But I doubt she’ll make big strides in gender equality.”

Women remain vastly underrepresented in Japan’s workforce. In 2021, women held just 13.2 percent of managerial positions — the lowest among OECD countries. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, Japan ranks 118th out of 148 nations in gender equality.

Persistent Challenges in Politics and Society

Only about 15 percent of Japan’s lower house members are women. Notable exceptions include Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who has championed women-friendly programs like free daycare.

Female lawmakers often face sexism and harassment. In 2024, then-Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso sparked outrage by calling Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa an “auntie” and “not that pretty.”

Despite the global #MeToo movement, Japan has seen limited change. Survivors such as Rina Gonoi and Shiori Ito faced online abuse after publicly sharing their experiences of sexual assault.

A Historic but Uncertain Moment

“Japan has had female emperors in the past, but never a female prime minister,” said Ryuki Tatsumi, a 23-year-old care worker. “This could be a historic opportunity for Japan to make progress.”

As Takaichi prepares to assume office, Japan and the world will be watching whether her leadership represents a turning point for gender equality or a continuation of tradition under a new face.