Meet Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s First Female PM and a Self-Proclaimed Thatcher Fan

Japan has entered a historic new era as Sanae Takaichi becomes the country’s first female prime minister, a longtime conservative known for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher and her commitment to expanding Japan’s global presence.

A self-described hardliner with nationalist leanings, Takaichi combines a reputation for discipline with an unconventional personal side — she’s also a drummer and heavy-metal fan.

Her fiscal plans mark a sharp contrast to Thatcher’s austerity: Takaichi supports large government spending, tax cuts, and tighter state control of the Bank of Japan, raising concerns among investors about Japan’s already high debt levels.

As a frequent visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine, she has drawn attention for her views on Japan’s post-war identity, while her proposal to form a “quasi-security alliance” with Taiwan is likely to strain relations with China.

Before becoming prime minister, Takaichi served as interior minister and economic security chief, positions that built her reputation for decisiveness and loyalty to late leader Shinzo Abe.