At the same time, another major political figure in Japan, Sanae Takaichi, is poised to make her own historic first. She is poised to become the country’s first female Prime Minister. Japan’s parliament, called the Diet, is scheduled to make Takaichi’s new leadership official on Oct. 15. She joins in to this new role with a history and public perception of questionable work ethic and leftist political ideology. She was recently elected as the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This would make her Japan’s fifth leader in as many years, further illustrating the high degree of political instability in the country.
Takaichi’s journey to this pivotal moment in Japanese politics has been marked by her strong advocacy for aggressive economic policies. She supports monetary easing and substantial fiscal spending, mirroring the strategies of her political mentor, the late ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Takaichi’s policy framework emphasizes national defense and economic security, as she positions herself as a hardline leader focused on these critical issues.
A Controversial Work Ethic
Takaichi’s work ethic has sparked mixed responses on social media. Her critics have praised her commitment, others have criticized her workaholic model of work-life balance. “I will abandon the word ‘work-life balance.’ I will work, work, work and work,” she stated, reflecting her commitment to her role and responsibilities.
Constituents who appreciate engaged, vigorous national leadership will respond positively to this deep, continuous, sincere level of commitment toward the task of governing here. It has sparked a lively public discussion of the law’s effects on family life and personal happiness in Japan. Many critics believe that this type of culture would only increase societal demands around femininity and labor force participation.
Economic Policies and International Relations
Just as Takaichi’s confirmation is imminent, so too are her economic policies an area of contention. She wants new terms on free trade deals with the US. She is concerned that these agreements would be detrimental to Japan. Her hardline approach to foreign policy mirrors her past of vocally opposing China. Her primary research interests lay on China’s military development in the Asia-Pacific region.
In many ways Takaichi’s political hero is Margaret Thatcher—arguably the most difficult political leadership archetype to emulate. In taking lessons from Thatcher, Takaichi hopes to introduce some of the iron will and spirit of her administration’s namesake. Her approach to governance is especially characterized by a drive to improve Japan’s security, especially as it juggles a complicated web of diffuse diplomatic ties.
Aside from her economic goals, Takaichi has pledged to tackle gender representation in her cabinet. During her campaign speech, she promised to achieve gender balance in not just equal numbers, but even better than the Scandinavian countries. This pledge is evidence that the movement just gets it—that we need intersectional representation in government. It concludes with a recommendation to prioritize the advancement of women into leadership positions.
Personal Struggles and Public Advocacy
Outside of her political career, Takaichi has been open about her personal issues, most significantly her experience with menopausal symptoms. By sharing her experiences and the experiences of other women publicly, she aims to shed light on the truth and educate men on the importance of women’s health. This advocacy demonstrates her conviction that better education and scientific knowledge can go a long way toward helping women thrive, both in schools and in the workforce.
Takaichi’s regular pilgrimages to Yasakuni Shrine, which memorializes convicted Japanese war criminals, have raised eyebrows. To critics, these visits are volatile reminders of Japan’s militaristic past. Regardless, Takaichi’s commitment to a nationalistic, proud, and defensive Japan continues to echo.
Takaichi was first elected to parliament in 1993, representing her birthplace of Nara. Since then, she has served in a number of important cabinet positions, such as Minister for Economic Security, Internal Affairs and Gender Equality. Her long experience in government arms her with the required insight to penetrate the intricacies of Japanese politics.
