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PoliticsJapan

Sanae Takaichi elected Japan's first female prime minister

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Killian Bayer
October 21, 2025

Japan's parliament has elected the country's first female leader. Sanae Takaichi, 64, of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is seen as a hard-line conservative who supports traditional gender roles and a hawkish foreign policy.

Japan's new political leader, Sanae Takaichi, a proclaimed fan of Britain’s "Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher, has been elected Japan's first female prime minister.

Takaichi took over as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party after the LDP lost its majority in the July election. The party is now teaming up with the smaller right-wing Japan Innovation Party to form a minority government. 

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