Sanae Takaichi

Sanae Takaichi

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

She will be sworn in as Japan's 104th prime minister this evening, succeeding the incumbent Shigeru Ishiba, who last month announced his resignation to take responsibility for election losses

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?

Newly-elected Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Sanae Takaichi reacts as she receives an applause from gathered lawmakers on the day of the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool

Japan's Takaichi set to become country's first female PM