Takaichi Secures Coalition Deal, Set to Become Japan's First Female PM

Published 12 hours ago·Updated 3 hours ago

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Above: Sanae Takaichi in the party leader's office after the LDP leadership election in Tokyo on Oct. 4, 2025. Image copyright: Yuichi Tamazaki/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Takaichi's historic rise as Japan's first female prime minister shatters a glass ceiling that stood for seven decades. Young women see her as a strong, cool pioneer who can normalize female leadership and make politics more accessible to women. This breakthrough moment proves that capable women can reach the highest levels of power in Japan's male-dominated system.

The Star The New York Times

Narrative B

Takaichi signifies conservative strength, not progressive change — she's the only leader who can restore Japan's proper course after years of leftward drift. Her nationalist credentials, defense of traditions like Yasukuni visits, and commitment to boosting military spending show she'll protect Japan's identity. This isn't about gender politics but choosing a proven hawk.

Firstpost JAPAN Forward

Narrative C

Sanae Takaichi's rise, though historic for women, ignites regional turmoil. Her fierce nationalism and hardline stance on history and Taiwan deeply unsettle China, North Korea, and Russia, threatening to unravel fragile East Asian stability and complicate relations with the U.S.

The Diplomat South China Morning Post