NewJapan’s First Female Prime Minister: How Will She Change the Country?

First things first: in most countries, most politicians are male though still a lot of female politicians get greater attention. Japan’s part of the club—but when it comes to women’s social presence, we’re still kind of waiting for our “main character moment.”

And now, Japan is absolutely buzzing: on October 21, 2025, the country finally welcomed its first-ever female prime minister: Sanae Takaichi.

Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Is Already Winning Hearts

Her bold, straight-to-the-point message — “Make Japan stronger” — has completely gripped the nation.
For years, voters have been fed up with politicians who promise the moon and deliver air. So it’s no wonder people are craving someone who actually sounds like they mean it.

I’ve long thought that Japan’s national habit of being too obedient to authority is charming in everyday life but… kind of terrifying when it shows up in politics.
And yet, amid rising concerns about immigration or soaring social insurance costs, plenty of citizens have clearly had enough.

Now, with the rise of this new prime minister, Japan feels electric — the whole country is buzzing with hope, curiosity, and maybe a little disbelief that it’s finally happening.

It’s Not Just Because She’s Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Sure, the “first woman in charge” headline is huge — but that’s not the only reason people are talking.

A Mind Like a Data Center

Takaichi has been a fierce debater across TV and YouTube. Answering every question with laser precision. No matter how her opponents twist, trap, or talk over her, she snaps back with logic so airtight they become speechless. Watching her, you think: “Finally, a politician who actually knows her stuff.”

Her knowledge base is honestly scary. She barely sleeps, spending her nights devouring both domestic and international news. Japan may be a disaster-prone country. But she’s the kind of leader who actually visits affected areas and asks: “What can a policymaker really do here?”

When she was recently elected President of the Liberal Democratic Party, she declared:

“I’m throwing away the phrase ‘work-life balance.’ I’ll work, work, work, and keep working.”

That wasn’t performative — it felt like a peek into how she’s lived her whole career: politics first, everything else second.

Unshakable Presence

In debate, she is inclusive and articulate, but never arrogant. Her ability to speak firmly yet humbly gives her speeches a rare magnetism. It’s that mix — confidence without ego — that has earned her deep trust from both voters and fellow politicians. In the past decade, Japan hasn’t seen many prime ministers who radiate that kind of stability. After years of political chaos, it’s no surprise that people are now pinning their hopes on Takaichi. They’re looking to her to bring a real, steady breeze of change.

How Will She Change The Country?

On October 24, 2025, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered her policy speech to the Diet. She promised to revive Japan’s diplomacy and economy so the nation can “bloom proudly at the center of the world.”
She outlined the basic policies of her administration across a wide range of fields.

Stable Governance

Prime Minister Takaichi noted that her administration is built on a coalition of the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party. She stressed that this alliance will provide the political stability the nation and its people need.

Economic Priority

She declared the principle of “fiscal policy based on the economy.”
She added that under “responsible proactive fiscal management,” the government will take strategic fiscal measures.

Goal

Boost incomes and consumer confidence to create a virtuous economic cycle, raise tax revenue without higher rates, and ensure people feel the recovery.

Addressing Urgent Challenges (Including Countermeasures Against Rising Prices)

Price Measures

The government will place the highest priority on addressing rising prices faced by the people.

Economic Stimulus

Until wage growth exceeds price increases, the government will prepare necessary economic measures. It will then quickly submit the required supplementary budget to the Diet.

Cash Handouts

Regarding the cash benefits proposed by the LDP in this summer’s election, Prime Minister Takaichi said they will not be implemented.
She explained that they “failed to gain public understanding.”

Gasoline Tax

The government will aim to abolish the provisional tax rate on gasoline by submitting the necessary legislative proposal.

Healthcare and Nursing Care

To support medical and nursing care facilities facing financial deficits, the government will provide subsidies early. This allows the effects to be felt before the scheduled fee revisions.

Contract Unit Prices

The government will review contract unit prices for outsourced work.
Revisions will reflect recent price increases.

“1.03 Million Yen Income Cap”

Regarding the so-called “1.03 million yen wall” (income threshold for spousal deductions), year-end tax adjustments will cover up to 1.6 million yen. The government will also discuss raising the basic deduction.

Education

The government will introduce free high school tuition next April.
Free school lunches will also begin, supported by stable financial resources.

Tax and Social Insurance Burden

To reduce the burden on low- and middle-income households, the government will create a new tax credit system.
Work on the refundable tax credit will begin promptly.

Growth Strategy and National Security

To enhance Japan’s economy in the medium to long term, the government will position “crisis management investment” as the core of its new growth strategy.

priority Areas

Japan will invest boldly in AI, semiconductors, quantum tech, biotechnology, and aerospace.
It aims to become “the easiest country in the world to develop and use AI.”

Disaster Management Agency

Preparation for a new Disaster Management Agency will be accelerated next fiscal year.
The agency will address major disasters, including Nankai Trough and Tokyo metropolitan earthquakes.

Fukushima and Noto Reconstruction

The government will continue its work on the reconstruction of Fukushima and the wider Tohoku region. It will also support recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

Social Security

A National Council will be set up to tackle the birthrate decline and aging society. Members from all parties and experts will review benefits and burdens.

Diplomacy and National Security

Prime Minister Takaichi vowed to rebuild Japan’s diplomacy so it can “bloom proudly at the centre of the world.” She committed to contributing to international stability.

Japan–U.S. Alliance

She reaffirmed that the Japan–U.S. alliance will stay the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policy. She will meet President Donald Trump, build mutual trust, and raise Japan–U.S. relations to new heights.

Abduction Issue

Prime Minister Takaichi said the North Korean abduction issue is her Cabinet’s top priority.
She pledged to take every possible measure to secure the early return of all abductees.

Strengthening Defense Capability

Japan will make major improvements to its defense capabilities. It will implement early measures this year to meet the 2%-of-GDP goal.

Constitutional Revision

During her tenure as Prime Minister, she said she expects constructive discussions in the Constitutional Review Committee to accelerate. Her goal is to advance a Diet-initiated constitutional amendment proposal. amendment proposal.

What is next?

Prime Minister Takaichi has barely settled into her new seat, yet expectations from the public are sky-high. Next on her calendar? A headline-grabbing sit-down with President Trump on October 28.

So… how will Japan’s story turn from here?

Post Script: 2 Weeks In And She’s Already Making Waves

She made a successful diplomatic debut just after becoming the prime minister. At the ASEAN summit, her communication style caught the media’s attention. Her assertive yet friendly attitude was unlike that of any former Japanese prime minister, except perhaps Shinzo Abe. He was also approachable before he was tragically shot during a campaign speech. Overall, she left a positive impression—at least in Japan.

Two days later, on 28 October, she welcomed President Trump to Japan. So many media outlets widely reported on Takaichi and Trump’s first meeting, which drew the nation’s attention. They did not look like representatives of countries, but more like old friends. The ceremony before the meeting opened with a light moment. Takaichi said, “I was watching baseball in President Trump’s room — the Dodgers are up 1–0,” making everyone laugh.

Later, the official White House X account posted a photo as “proof.” It sparked surprised reactions online, including, “They were really watching the World

Following her meeting with President Trump, she held talks with the presidents of South Korea and China. Japanese media also covered those meetings very favorably.

Ironically, the politicians and commentators who criticized Takaichi’s appointment were quickly overtaken by her strong and rapid achievements. They ended up speechless and awkward in their interviews.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
Japan next prime minister 2025: who decides and when
How the World Laughs at Japanese Politics (With a Wink)