Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been appointed as Japan’s 104th prime minister, becoming the first female prime minister in constitutional history, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Tuesday.
Takaichi, who has long admired Britain’s first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, known as the “Iron Lady,” is seen as having broken the so-called “glass ceiling” that is often seen as an obstacle to women’s advancement in society.
Liberal Democratic Party President Takaichi (center) entered the prime minister’s office on Tuesday after being named prime minister by the Diet (Japan’s parliament).
Takaichi first challenged the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election in 2021, and finally secured the party’s top post in his third attempt.
The previous female candidate for Liberal Democratic Party leadership was Yuriko Koike, who was then Minister of the Environment (currently Governor of Tokyo) in 2008. Former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Seiko Noda in 2021. Former Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa was elected in 2024, but fell short in both cases.
Her appointment makes Japan the fifth of the Group of Seven (G7) countries to be led by a woman, following the UK, Canada, Germany and Italy.
Speaking ahead of this leadership contest, Takaichi said, “It’s not because I’m a woman, but it’s important to have equal opportunities. Men and women alike must work together.”
Her husband, Taku Yamamoto, a former Liberal Democratic Party member of the House of Representatives, was appointed as Japan’s first “First Gentleman.”