Sanae Takaichi Makes History As Japan’s First Female Prime Minister. Sanae Takaichi has been elected Japan’s first-ever female prime minister, marking a historic moment in the country’s politics. The 64-year-old conservative leader won a decisive majority in both houses of parliament — 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 in the Upper House, securing her position as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. An admirer of the late British PM Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi takes office at a turbulent time, with Japan facing soaring living costs and growing public frustration. She is the nation’s fourth prime minister in just five years, reflecting deep political instability. Her victory followed a dramatic turnaround, after a last-minute deal with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party rescued her campaign when a key coalition partner withdrew support. Takaichi now leads the world’s fourth-largest economy into a new political era — and will face voters in 2028. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT