PM congratulates Sanae Takaichi on becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister
New Delhi, Oct 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended his “heartiest congratulations” to Sanae Takaichi on her historic election as Japan’s first female Prime Minister.
In a post on X, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening its “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” with Japan. “Heartiest congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our deepening ties are vital for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” the Prime Minister wrote on X, tagging @takaichi_sanae.
Takaichi, 64, a conservative lawmaker from Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), won a majority in both houses of parliament on Tuesday, securing 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 in the Upper House. Often dubbed Japan’s “Iron Lady,” she is known for her admiration of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her close ties with the late Shinzo Abe, whose nationalist agenda she has pledged to continue. Her election marks a watershed moment in Japan’s male-dominated political landscape, where women hold fewer than 10% of parliamentary seats, international media reported. However, her conservative views have drawn mixed reactions from younger voters, with some expressing scepticism that her leadership will advance gender equality.
A former heavy metal drummer and television host, Takaichi is known for her unconventional background, she once worked multiple jobs to fund her university education after her parents refused to pay for a daughter’s studies. Her interests range from scuba diving to classic cars; her beloved Toyota Supra is reportedly on display in a Nara museum, BBC reported. As Japan’s fourth prime minister in five years, Takaichi faces daunting challenges, from reviving a sluggish economy and managing an uneasy relationship with the United States, to uniting a ruling party mired in corruption scandals. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated her on winning the LDP leadership race, calling her a “highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.” Ms Takaichi responded that she looked forward to working with him to “make our alliance even stronger and more prosperous.” Following her confirmation by parliament, Takaichi is expected to announce her cabinet lineup and attend an attestation ceremony at the Imperial Palace before holding her first cabinet meeting.
