Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister after decisive Lower House win

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party will form a coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party, ushering in a new Cabinet under Takaichi’s leadership.

Japan’s Lower House of Parliament elected Sanae Takaichi as the nation's 104^th Prime Minister on 21 October 2025, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold the office.

Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), secured 237 votes, defeating Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who received 149 votes.

Following her election, the LDP will form a coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), based on a previously reached agreement, paving the way for the formation of a new Cabinet.

Born in Nara Prefecture, Takaichi joined the LDP in 1996 and the Cabinet of then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a decade later. Over the years, she has held several senior government roles, including Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications – where she served a record-breaking term – and Minister in charge of Economic Security.

Takaichi has cited Britain's first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, as her political inspiration, expressing her ambition to “become Japan’s Iron Lady.”

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