10 Things to Do About Japan’s Next Prime Minister

On Saturday, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female leader. She defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, in one vote. Now expected to be named Prime Minister on October 15 to replace Shigeru Ishiba. So, what kind of leader will Japan gain? Here are 10 things to do about Sanae Takaichi.

1. Sanaetakaichi does not come from a political family

Since World War II, most Japanese prime ministers have been successors to the political family dynasty. However, politics did not play a role in Gao Hai’s growth. Her mother is an official with police officers in Nara Prefecture and her father works in the automotive industry with Toyota.

2. Finance determines her college choice

After graduating from Unebi High School in NARA County, Tagaoshi reportedly could have chosen between two prestigious private universities: Keio or Waseda. Finally, according to her memoirs, her parents wanted to save tuition for their younger brother. Instead, she studied business management at Kobe University.

3. She is a large heavy metal fan

During his student days, Takaichi played drums in heavy metal bands and was known to be a fan of groups like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. She also likes X Japan. She filmed her song “Rusty Nail” on a 2016 TV karaoke show and has been popular recently. Other interests include motorcycles and the Hansing Tigers.

4. Gaudi spent two years in the United States

In 1984, Takaichi entered the School of Pad Government and Management. Three years later, she was sent to Washington, D.C. as part of the program. She served as a Congressional Fellow at Democratic U.S. Representative Pat Schroeder. Back in Japan in 1989, she wrote a book about her experience in the U.S. Congress.

5. She hosted a TV show with Renho Saito

In the same year, Takaichi joined the TV station as an anchor. She co-hosts an information variety show that covers a wide range of topics, from politics to paranormal, titled Kodawari TV front☆ Stage Renho Saito, who ran last year in the 2024 Tokyo governoral elections, was with Renho Saito. It is reported that the two rarely speak.

6. An old photo put her in trouble

In 2011, Takaichi took a photo with Kazunari Yamada of Yamada, head of the National Socialist Japanese Workers’ Party, who wrote on his blog that he admired Adolf Hitler and praised the September 11 terrorist attack. Takaichi’s office confirmed the photo was real, but said she didn’t know his extremist views at the time.

7. Margaret Thatcher is her hero

Takaichi listed the first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, as a source of inspiration. Her firm belief and “feminineness” left a deep impression on her. The two reportedly met at a workshop shortly after Thatcher died in 2013. This is a split-like character, Takaichi is known as the “Iron Lady” of Japan.

8. Gaudi is not a feminist

Despite becoming the first woman ever to lead the least developed country, Takaichi was not seen as a champion of women’s rights. She objected Fufu Besseior separate last names for married couples because she feels it goes against tradition. Although she has been married twice, she still uses her maiden name.

9. She is a traditionalist

Takaichi’s staunch conservatives, who also opposed same-sex marriage and supported the traditional only imperial inheritance law of Japan, suggesting that the imperial throne can only be inherited by male members of imperial descent. “I feel very strongly about whether our generation is right to destroy it,” she explain In 2021.

Shinzo Abe | Anthony Quintano

10. Abe is her mentor

Takaichi’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, like her mentor, believes that Japanese atrocities during World War II were exaggerated and that the country’s pacifist constitution should be amended. She held hawkish views on China and captured the country’s growing anti-immigration sentiment during the campaign, criticizing foreigners for kicking deer in Nara.

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Updated on October 6, 2025