Japan made history on Tuesday by electing Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, a moment marked by her admiration for Margaret Thatcher and her commitment to restoring public confidence and bolstering the country’s security. The decision came after months of political turmoil within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which faced a significant setback when it lost its upper-house majority in July. Takaichi, 64, was chosen during an extraordinary session of the lower house, replacing former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Her appointment signals a shift toward more conservative policies and reflects the LDP’s strategy to regain political stability.
As the UK commemorated the 100th anniversary of Margaret Thatcher’s birth, Takaichi’s leadership was highlighted by her close ties with the former British prime minister. She described their relationship as