Japan’s First Female Prime Minister: Sanae Takaichi

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first-ever female prime minister.

Known as “Japan’s Iron Lady” and an admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi finally succeeded in her third attempt at the post.

A close ally of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she takes office amid political instability Japan’s fourth leader in five years and faces major challenges, including reviving the economy, managing U.S. relations, and unifying the scandal-hit LDP.