A protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has long admired former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — even calling her personal goal to “become Japan’s Iron Lady.” The 64-year-old’s victory symbolizes both a generational and ideological shift within the LDP, which hopes her leadership can help restore voter trust amid scandals, economic stagnation, and the rise of the far-right Sanseito party.
Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961, Takaichi’s early life was far removed from politics. The daughter of a police officer and an office worker, she initially pursued entertainment, becoming a TV presenter and passionate drummer known for breaking sticks during performances. Her political awakening came during her stint in the US in the 1980s, where she worked under Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder and witnessed what she described as Western misconceptions about Japan.
Her conclusion — that Japan must strengthen itself to avoid dependence on foreign opinion — became central to her political ideology. Joining the LDP in 1996 after an independent debut in 1992, Takaichi went on to serve 10 terms as a Member of Parliament and hold senior ministerial portfolios, including internal affairs, trade and industry, and economic security.
Her leadership style blends staunch conservatism with pragmatic reforms. Though she has opposed same-sex marriage and the right for married women to retain maiden names, her latest campaign emphasized family welfare — including tax breaks for companies offering childcare, hospital reforms for women’s health, and expanded elderly care services.
Takaichi’s rise also marks a revival of “Abenomics” — the late Shinzo Abe’s economic policy of fiscal stimulus and monetary easing — which she plans to adapt for a new era of global volatility. On the geopolitical front, she supports amending Japan’s pacifist constitution to expand the capabilities of the Self-Defence Forces.
As she prepares to officially take office on October 15, Takaichi faces immense challenges: reversing Japan’s demographic decline, reenergizing the economy, and redefining the country’s security posture amid rising regional tensions.
Her message, however, remains firm and clear: “The LDP must change for the sake of Japan’s present and future. We will always put the national interest first.”
With Japan’s markets surging and the yen weakening in anticipation of her leadership, the world will now watch closely to see if Sanae Takaichi truly becomes the “Iron Lady” she has long aspired to be.