🇯🇵 Japan Appoints Sanae Takaichi as First Woman Prime Minister

 

Japan's lower house of parliament has appointed Sanae Takaichi as the country's first woman Prime Minister, marking a significant, albeit politically conservative, breakthrough in a nation known for its deep gender gap in leadership. Takaichi, a conservative and a "China hawk," formally assumes office after her meeting with Emperor Naruhito later in the day. Her appointment is a historic moment, shattering the glass ceiling in a country where women hold fewer than one-fifth of parliamentary seats and corporate leadership is largely dominated by men.

A New, Right-Leaning Coalition

Takaichi secured her victory with 237 votes in the 465-member house. Her path to the premiership was secured after striking a critical coalition deal with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, following the departure of the centrist Komeito party from her former alliance.

Her ascension has drawn international attention; notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly congratulated Takaichi, expressing his hope for strengthening India–Japan ties.

Historic All-Woman Finance Team

Adding to the historic nature of her appointment, Takaichi is expected to name Satsuki Katayama as the finance minister, which would make Katayama the first woman to hold that influential role. Both Takaichi and Katayama are protégés of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, suggesting a continuation of his political and economic philosophy.

Katayama's expected role aligns with Takaichi’s plans to tackle the country’s significant economic challenges, including rising prices after years of deflation. Katayama’s background, which includes chairing the LDP’s finance and banking research commission, is expected to be instrumental in efforts to stimulate the economy. The formation of Takaichi’s coalition has already had a positive effect on investor confidence, reportedly pushing the Nikkei to a record high with a 3.4% increase.

Conservative Stance Despite Gender Breakthrough

While Takaichi’s appointment is a historic gender milestone, her political views are firmly conservative, signaling a potential shift to the right for Japan on social and immigration issues. She has voiced opposition to same-sex marriage and separate surnames for married couples. Furthermore, she is known for visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, a move that historically strains relations with neighboring countries like China and South Korea.

Takaichi takes office immediately confronting both political and economic turbulence, facing high public and industry expectations without the customary "honeymoon period" often afforded to new leaders.