Sanae Takahichi, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, was elected Prime Minister of Japan, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the country's history.
24.kg decided to find out what achievements and characteristics define the 64-year-old Sanae Takahichi in political and social circles.
1. Background
Sanae was born in Nara Prefecture into an ordinary family: her father worked at an automobile factory, and her mother served in the police. She paid for her own education, spending six hours a day commuting, and graduated from the prestigious Kobe University. After that, she worked as an assistant to Congresswoman Pat Schroeder in the United States, and upon returning home, she became a television presenter, which contributed to her recognition and subsequent entry into politics.2. Political Career
Since 1993, Takahichi has been a member of the Japanese parliament. She has held significant positions, including Minister of International Communications from 2014 to 2017 and Minister of Economic Security from 2019 to 2020. Her career was notably influenced by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom she regarded as her political mentor. Abe's support was crucial for her election as leader of the LDP in 2021.
3. Political Views
According to information published by CNN, Takahichi holds conservative views, supporting strict immigration control, restrictions on foreigners' rights to purchase real estate, as well as opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage and advocating for traditional gender roles. She has been repeatedly criticized for justifying Japan's actions during World War II and for visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, where soldiers convicted of war crimes are honored.4. Controversial Positions
Despite being the first woman to serve as Prime Minister, Takahichi opposes retaining one's maiden name after marriage and supports male-line succession to the Japanese throne. She is also against the legalization of same-sex marriage. In 2004, she married Taku Yamamoto, taking his surname, but they divorced in 2017 due to political disagreements, and in 2021 they remarried. Notably, this time Yamamoto took his wife's surname—Takahichi—despite her publicly opposing the retention of maiden names.
5. Relations with the USA
Sanae Takahichi maintains close relations with the USA and Donald Trump, who holds her in high regard, calling her "a respected woman with wisdom and strength." In response, she expressed hope for strengthening allied relations and further developing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region. According to CNN, one of her first steps on the international stage will be negotiations with Trump and a possible revision of the $550 billion investment agreement.6. Hobbies and Interests
An unusual image for a politician, Sanae has a passion for rock music and motorcycles. During her student years, she played drums in a rock band and is still a fan of Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath. She has an electric drum kit at home, which she plays to relieve stress.
Sanae Takahichi is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Japan. Her career is marked by perseverance and significant experience, and her hobbies and unique image allow her to stand out among the traditionally male political elite.
