Hardline Takaichi Expected as Japan's First Female Prime Minister

Sanae Takaichi has become Japan's first female prime minister, marking a historic breaking of the country's political glass ceiling. A hardline conservative and admirer of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Britain's Margaret Thatcher, she is expected to steer Japan towards a forceful shift to the right, particularly on immigration and social issues. Her election follows a coalition deal between her Liberal Democratic Party and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, although the coalition lacks a clear majority in parliament. Takaichi is anticipated to pursue government spending to stimulate the economy amid rising prices and sluggish growth, a move that has bolstered Japan's stock market yet raised concerns over debt sustainability. While her premiership symbolizes a significant milestone for women in Japanese politics, it is unlikely to signify progressive social change due to her conservative stances, including opposition to changing the law requiring married couples to share a surname. Her leadership will also focus on revitalizing Japan's competitive sectors through pragmatic reforms and technological adoption to reverse economic malaise.