Japan Welcomes First Female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi amid Historic Political Shift

Japan has made history with the election of Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, marking a significant milestone in a country where women have long faced traditional gender barriers despite high educational achievements. Takaichi, a conservative and admirer of Margaret Thatcher, is known for her right-wing views, including opposition to same-sex marriage and resistance to reforms allowing married couples to have separate surnames, reflecting Japan's ongoing struggles with gender equality. Her leadership is seen by some as a strategic move by Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to conservative voters, though critics argue she perpetuates patriarchal norms rather than advocating for progressive change. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines congratulated Takaichi, highlighting the importance of her election for democracy and gender representation and expressing hopes for strengthened bilateral relations. Japan ranks low among G7 countries in female political representation, with only 15.7% of lawmakers being women, underscoring the country's gender gap despite recent advancements like over-the-counter access to the morning-after pill. The rise of Takaichi could inspire future generations and gradually shift societal perceptions, even as debates continue about the direction her leadership will take on women's rights and broader social issues.