Meet Japan's First Potential Female PM Sanae Takaichi; She Is A Heavy Metal Drummer & Thatcher Fan

Japan stands on the edge of history as Sanae Takaichi, a veteran politician and long-time Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) member, prepares to become the nation’s first female prime minister. The 64-year-old conservative leader recently clinched the LDP presidency, defeating Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a closely fought runoff, positioning her to succeed outgoing premier Shigeru Ishiba.

Her rise is more than just a political victory; it represents a cultural shift in a country where male leadership has long dominated politics. But who is Sanae Takaichi, the woman breaking one of Japan’s last glass ceilings?

Early life: From Nara to Heavy Metal Stages

Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961, Takaichi’s early life hardly hinted at a political future. The daughter of a car mechanic and a police officer, she developed a streak of independence early on. In her youth, she played drums in a heavy metal band, rode motorcycles, and later pursued business administration at Kobe University.

Her curiosity and determination led her abroad to the United States, where she worked under U.S. Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder as a fellow, an experience that shaped her understanding of global politics and gender representation. Upon returning to Japan, she joined the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management, known for grooming future political leaders.

A steady ascent through Japanese politics

Takaichi entered national politics in 1993, winning her first parliamentary seat as an independent candidate from her hometown of Nara. Three years later, she joined the Liberal Democratic Party, beginning a steady climb through Japan’s political ranks.

Over the years, she held several key cabinet roles, including Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, Minister of State for Economic Security, and head of Gender Equality and Social Affairs. Her firm stance on economic and defense policies earned her a reputation as one of the LDP’s most hardline and disciplined members.

Her persistence finally paid off in October 2025, when she won the party’s top post after multiple attempts, making her the first woman ever to lead the LDP in its seven-decade history.

Inspired by Margaret Thatcher

Takaichi often refers to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her political inspiration. Much like the “Iron Lady,” she projects an image of discipline, resolve, and ideological clarity.

However, her rise has also reignited debate over women’s rights in Japan. While she is set to shatter one of Japan’s highest glass ceilings, her own positions on gender issues are deeply traditional. She has opposed same-sex marriage, rejected proposals allowing separate surnames for married couples, and does not support female succession to the Imperial throne.

Critics call this a contradiction, a female leader leading a party historically resistant to gender reform, but Takaichi insists her focus is on stability and growth, not symbolism.

Challenges ahead

Takaichi inherits a party and country facing multiple crises: inflation, declining popularity among younger voters, and the fallout from a political slush fund scandal. Under outgoing leader Shigeru Ishiba, the LDP lost majorities in both houses, prompting his resignation.

Her immediate task will be to restore public confidence and revive the LDP’s image while maintaining Japan’s strategic balance amid rising regional tensions with China and North Korea.

As the world watches, Sanae Takaichi stands poised to become a historic , and possibly polarising, figure in Japan’s political future. Her leadership could either redefine the conservative establishment or reinforce it, but one thing is certain: the drummer from Nara has beaten her own rhythm all the way to the top.