Ultra-conservative and heavy metal fanatic: who is Sanae Takaichi, Japan's prime minister
Sanae Takaichi has become Japan's first female prime minister, securing her position after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party won a significant majority in the legislative elections.
At 64 years old, Sanae Takaichi has made history as the first woman to head the government of Japan. Her recent election was confirmed following the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's impressive victory, securing 316 out of 465 seats in the Japanese legislature during the elections held in October last year. This decisive win has given Takaichi an absolute majority in parliament, enabling her to pursue her ultra-conservative agenda as highlighted by Japanese media outlets.
One of the pivotal aspects of Takaichi's agenda includes the constitutional revision of Article 9, which embodies Japan's pacifist principles and restricts the use of military forces. With a goal of initiating a referendum, the ruling party now has a feasible pathway towards securing the 310 seats necessary to push for amendments. This reflects a significant shift in Japan's political landscape, as the party seeks to redefine its military posture in the region and increase its defense capabilities.
Takaichi's political stance and alignment with the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, mark her as a continuation of Abe's nationalist policies. Her leadership is expected to resonate with conservative voters in Japan, emphasizing a return to strong national identity and potentially more assertive foreign policies. As Takaichi steps into this role, the implications of her governance will likely influence Japan's domestic and international relations profoundly.