Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister
Why in the news
Japan’s parliament elected Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister today. She is the first woman to lead the country.
Key facts
- Date: 21 October 2025.
- Lower House vote: 237, against a majority mark of 233.
- Upper House vote: 125, just one above the simple majority needed.
- Coalition: new pact with the Japan Innovation Party after the 26-year LDP-Komeito coalition ended in October 2025.
- Constituency: Nara 2nd district.
| Chamber | Votes for Takaichi |
|---|---|
| House of Representatives (Lower) | 237 (majority mark 233) |
| House of Councillors (Upper) | 125 |
About Sanae Takaichi
Born on 7 March 1961 in Tenri, Nara Prefecture, she worked as an author, broadcaster and legislative aide before entering politics as an independent in 1993. She joined the Liberal Democratic Party in 1996 and held posts including Minister for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs under Shinzo Abe. From August 2022 to October 2024 she was Minister of State for Economic Security under Fumio Kishida. She has named Margaret Thatcher as a role model.
Exam angle
- Note the first woman PM of Japan and her party, the LDP.
- Remember the 237 vs 233 vote figures.
- Her earlier portfolio was economic security.