Takaichi, a veteran lawmaker and former minister of economic security, internal affairs, and gender equality, ascended to power through a dramatic parliamentary vote of 237 to 149 in the lower house, followed by a decisive win in the upper house. Her rise was catalyzed by the collapse of the Liberal Democratic Party's long-standing coalition with Komeito and a last-minute alliance with the right-wing Japan Innovation. Though her coalition remains fragile, her election signals a bold ideological shift: she is a staunch conservative, a protégé of Shinzo Abe, and an admirer of Margaret Thatcher.
While many hail her victory as a breakthrough for women's representation, others caution that her ultraconservative policies may not align with broader feminist goals. Her rejection of "work-life balance" rhetoric and emphasis on relentless labor underscores a traditionalist view of leadership that may challenge progressive expectations.
Internationally, her premiership is already reshaping Japan's posture. China has expressed concern over her hardline stance, and global observers are watching closely as she prepares to host President Trump in Tokyo.