On 21 October 2025, Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female Prime Minister, elected by both Houses of Parliament with narrow majorities. A former TV anchor, Takaichi began her political career in 1993 and joined the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in 1996.
She has previously served in the Cabinet under Shinzo Abe, including as Economic Security Minister (2022–2024). The 64-year-old lawmaker from Nara Prefecture now faces major challenges such as slow economic growth, inflation, and yen depreciation.
