Sanae Takaichi
Japan has finally shattered its highest glass ceiling when Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister. She also became the first woman to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), firmly sealing her place in history. Her election marks a turning point for a country where politics has long been dominated by men.
Yet, beyond her conservative reputation and steely resolve lies a woman full of surprises — a head of state who rides motorbikes, listens to Iron Maiden, and once played drums in a heavy metal band.
From Nara to Nagatacho
Credit: The Asahi Shimbun, via Getty Images
Born in Nara in 1961, Takaichi’s rise to power didn’t come overnight. She entered politics in 1993 as an independent, later joining Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party in 1996. Over the decades, she built a reputation for discipline, intelligence, and conviction. Her career has been defined by persistence — the kind that turns setbacks into fuel.
She served in multiple ministerial roles, from internal affairs to science and technology, before reaching the top. Her political philosophy, rooted in conservative values, champions national pride, constitutional reform, and economic strength.
Mentored by Shinzo Abe
Credit: AP
No figure shaped her political journey more than the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The two shared not only ideological alignment but also a deep personal trust. Abe saw in Takaichi a kindred spirit — principled, determined, and unafraid to stand apart. She often described him as both mentor and friend.
After Abe’s assassination in 2022, Takaichi vowed to continue his vision for a “strong and confident Japan.” Many view her premiership as an extension of his legacy. Like Abe, she believes in a Japan that balances economic vitality with security reform. Yet she also brings her own rhythm — less about charisma, more about quiet command.
Their connection continues to define how the world perceives her leadership. While Abe built bridges through diplomacy, Takaichi reinforces them with discipline. Her ascent, in many ways, fulfills the unfinished chapter of her mentor’s ambitions.
The Iron Lady of Tokyo
Sanae Takaichi on drums
Takaichi has often cited Margaret Thatcher as her greatest influence. Like Britain’s former prime minister, she believes in firm leadership and clear conviction. The Japanese press has affectionately dubbed her the “Iron Lady of Tokyo.” She wears the title with pride.
But her iron comes with rhythm. Long before she stood behind the podium, she stood behind a drum kit. During her university years, she was a drummer in a heavy metal band — a creative outlet that still shapes her character today. “Metal taught me energy and endurance,” she once said. “Politics needs both.”
Her playlists feature Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple — proof that even a world leader can still rock.
A Taste for Speed and Spice
Sanae Takaichi on her motorcycle
In her youth, Takaichi was a biker chick. She used to race on two wheels and enjoyed the thrill of Japan’s open roads. However, her motorbike hobby took a backseat when she entered politics. Her lifestyle reflects her personality — bold, fast, and unapologetically authentic.
And while her political stance is famously nationalistic, her palate crosses borders. She’s known for her love of South Korean cuisine, especially kimchi and bulgogi. She’s also a fan of Korean dramas and skincare, proof of her cultural curiosity and softer side.
She’s friendly with Trump
Takaichi’s relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn both curiosity and controversy. President Trump congratulated her on her rise to party leadership, calling her “a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength”. She responded by expressing her intention “to work together with President Trump to make our alliance even stronger and more prosperous, and to advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
Under her leadership, Japan is expected to maintain strong ties with the U.S. while deepening its regional presence. In fact, Trump is expected to meet Takaichi later this month when he visits Japan.
A Legacy in the Making
Sanae Takaichi represents a new archetype of power in Japan — one that blends grit with individuality. She’s the heavy-metal drummer turned stateswoman. The motorcycle-riding, K-drama-watching Iron Lady of Asia.
Her experience in office have shown a leader who balances resilience with reason; a woman determined to guide Japan’s future on her own terms. The 64-year-old’s rise is not just political. It’s cultural, even generational. For Japan, she symbolizes progress wrapped in tradition. While she may not identify as a feminist, given her support for traditional gender roles and male-only imperial succession, her rise still carries symbolic weight. It shows young women across Japan that they too can one day lead the nation.
