Will Sanae Takaichi Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister?

As of October 2025, Sanae Takaichi is the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become Japan's first female prime minister. She is a staunch conservative protégé of the late Shinzo Abe and is known for her nationalist views. 

Takaichi has previously served in several key cabinet positions, including Minister for Economic Security. Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961, her mother was a police officer and her father worked for an automotive company.