Sanae Takaichi

Sanae Takaichi

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), who has previously suffered a hand injury, speaks to the media in front of a board displaying the names of LDP candidates at the LDP headquarters on general election day in Tokyo, Japan. 8 February 2026. Photo: Reuters

Japan's 'Iron Lady' Takaichi forges stunning election win

The LDP alone sailed past the 233 seats needed for a majority less than two hours after polls closed, on track for one of its best-ever election results.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's office, in Tokyo, Japan, on 21 October 2025. Photo: Reuters

'Sana-mania' fuels Takaichi surge ahead of Japan election

Japan's former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at the kick-off of the campaign for the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, on 22 September 2025. Photo: Reuters

Japan-US alliance would crumble if Tokyo ignored Taiwan crisis: PM Takaichi

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to the media after a telephone call with US President Donald Trump, at her official residence in Tokyo, Japan, November 25, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Issei Kato

'Extremely good friends': Japan PM touts Trump bond after first talks since China dispute

US President Donald Trump, left, and Sanae Takaichi, Japan's prime minister, during a signing ceremony for a document on the implementation of the US Japan trade deal at Akasaka Palace state guest house in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Photo: Kiyoshi Ota/Pool via REUTERS

Trump praises Japan's 'great' female leader in talks on trade, critical minerals

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's office, in Tokyo, Japan, on 21 October 2025. Photo: Reuters

Japan's Takaichi faces early test of defence ambitions with Trump visit

Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), attends a press conference after the LDP presidential election in Tokyo on October 4, 2025. Photo: Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool via REUTERS

Japan's new PM is preparing large economic stimulus to tackle inflation: sources

Japan's former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at the kick-off of the campaign for the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, on 22 September 2025. Photo: Reuters

Takaichi elected Japan's premier, shattering glass ceiling with hard‑right turn

Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), attends a press conference after the LDP presidential election in Tokyo on October 4, 2025. Photo: Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool via REUTERS

Coalition deal puts Takaichi on brink of Japan's first female premiership

Japan's former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at the kick-off of the campaign for the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, on 22 September 2025. Photo: Reuters

New deal puts Takaichi on track to be Japan's first woman PM

Japan's former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at the kick-off of the campaign for the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, on 22 September 2025. Photo: Reuters

Japan's Takaichi eyes expanding coalition

Japan's former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at the kick-off of the campaign for the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, on 22 September 2025. Photo: Reuters

Inspired by Thatcher, Japan's PM-in-waiting Takaichi smashes glass ceiling

Japan's former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at the kick-off of the campaign for the LDP presidential election in Tokyo, Japan, on 22 September 2025. Photo: Reuters

From heavy metal drummer to Japan's first female PM in waiting: Who is Sanae Takaichi?