Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi, who opposes same-sex marriage and backs traditional family norms, elected as Japan's first woman PM

Takaichi, the leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), won with 237 votes in her favour in the 465-member chamber.

The 64-year-old, who considers late Britain PM Margaret Thatcher as her hero, will succeed Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month after facing election defeat.

Her leadership marks a significant moment in Japan’s political history given its male-dominated leadership landscape. 

She had won the leadership of the LDP earlier in October 2025, positioning her to become Prime Minister.

Her rise signals a shift within the LDP and Japanese politics toward more conservative, national-security-focused policies. 

Although her being the first woman PM is historic, observers note that her policy stances do not align with feminist or progressive gender reform agendas. 

Her political position and ideology

Known for conservative stances, she opposes same-sex marriage, supports traditional family norms like she is against married couples having separate surnames and supports revising Japan’s pacifist constitution.

She advocates economic security, stronger defence posture and is linked with nationalist‐leaning groups.

The leader has been described by media as a “biker” and “heavy‐metal” fan in her youth, giving a more colourful personal backstory. 

Some of her challenges ahead

She faces challenges such as economic stagnation, inflation, international relations (particularly with China and South Korea), and coalition dynamics in Parliament.

She relies on a new coalition with Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) — but the combined bloc still lacks a clear majority to push through major legislation. 

Because of this, the risk is high of legislative gridlock, inability to implement big reforms, or even early elections if the coalition fractures. 

Takaichi is taking charge at a time when Japan’s regional environment is strained: relations with China and South Korea remain sensitive (especially given her conservative stances on wartime history and visits to the Yasukuni Shrine).

With the U.S. and other partners pushing Japan for more defence responsibilities, she will need to balance between domestic priorities and alliance demands.

Her success will depend on whether she can:

• Stabilise her coalition and legislative support.
• Deliver visible economic and social results.
• Navigate foreign policy and defence issues without triggering domestic or international backlash.
• Rebuild trust and modernise her party’s image for a changing Japan.
• Balance her ideological commitments with pragmatic governance.