Sanae Takaichi first woman prime minister of Japan forms a surprise coalition after a shock win, pledging bold reforms and gender balance

Sanae Takaichi first woman prime minister of Japan was confirmed on Tuesday, following a dramatic 11th-hour coalition pact that reshaped the political landscape.

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Her appointment marks a seismic shift in Japanese politics as she becomes the country’s first female leader and fifth prime minister in just as many years.

Looking composed yet resolute, the 64-year-old bowed deeply to lawmakers after securing a razor-thin lower house majority before clinching upper house approval in a runoff.

She now faces the task of leading a minority government, with a scheduled visit by US President Donald Trump next week already looming large.

Takaichi, a former heavy metal drummer and self-professed admirer of Margaret Thatcher, took over leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on 4 October.

However, her conservative stance and an ongoing LDP slush fund scandal pushed coalition partner Komeito to walk away just six days later.

In a stunning turnaround, Takaichi struck a last-minute deal with the reformist Japan Innovation Party (JIP) on Monday night.

The JIP, with its populist economic proposals such as scrapping food tax and banning corporate donations, helped tip the scales.

Pledging to “reshape Japan for future generations”, Takaichi has vowed to revive the economy and tackle structural issues, including population decline and gender inequality.

In a power move, she promised a cabinet with “Nordic” levels of female representation—far above the paltry two women in the outgoing government.

Expected appointments include right-wing veteran Satsuki Katayama in finance and Kimi Onoda, who is half-American, for economic security.

Takaichi has also spoken candidly about her menopause experience, promising more open conversations on women’s health.

Yet she remains rooted in traditional conservatism. She opposes dual surnames for married couples and supports male-only imperial succession—positions that have drawn criticism even as her historic win is celebrated.

On the streets of her hometown Nara, pensioners and students alike expressed cautious optimism.

“She’s a strong-minded person, regardless of being a woman,” said 76-year-old Toru Takahashi. “She’s not like Trump. But she’s clear about what’s right and wrong.”

Others are watching her next moves closely. “I’d be happy if we saw more policies from a woman’s perspective,” said 18-year-old student Nina Terao. “Support for childcare, and help for women returning to work—that’s what I want.”

Takaichi inherits a laundry list of challenges. Beyond an underperforming economy and demographic crisis, Japan’s foreign policy will be tested during Trump’s visit.

With the US pushing for a halt to Russian energy imports and greater military spending, Takaichi’s diplomatic finesse will be under scrutiny.

Though previously known for hard-line rhetoric against China and support for Taiwan, she has notably toned down her language and avoided the controversial Yasukuni shrine ahead of her appointment.

With Abenomics-style stimulus policies and aggressive fiscal tools in her arsenal, Takaichi will need cross-party cooperation to pass legislation—no small feat for a minority government.

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Whether she can weather the storm remains to be seen, but her victory is already one for the history books.