Sanae Takaichi
| Sanae Takaichi | |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister of Japan From: 21 October 2025 – present | |
| Predecessor | Shigeru Ishiba |
| Successor | Incumbent (no successor) |
| Information | |
| Party | Liberal Democratic Party |
- See also: Conservative of the Year 2025 (a runner-up)
Sanae Takaichi (born 7 March 1961) is Japanese conservative populist politician who Prime Minister of Japan since October 21, 2025, as the first woman to be prime minister of Japan.
When liberals resisted her tax cuts, she called a bold, risky snap election which she then won in a landslide on February 8, 2026.
Takaichi's views have been variously described by observers as nationalist and conservative. Her domestic policy includes support for proactive government spending and the continuation of Abenomics. She has taken conservative positions on social issues, including the recognition of separate surnames for spouses and regarding female succession to the Japanese throne.
Issues
Immigration
Takaichi has been described as taking a "hard-line stance" on immigration. she has been described as wanting "tighter restrictions on immigration" and employed "anti-immigration rhetoric" during her campaign.[1] Takaichi advocated for a "crackdown" on illegal migration and emphasized that "foreigners must strictly obey" Japanese law stating that those who overstay their visa or abscond from justice should be treated as harshly as Japanese citizens. She proposed that policies be reconsidered from the ground up, with an aim to establish an "orderly coexistence" between Japanese citizens and immigrants based on "mutual consideration" in communities. In her campaign manifesto she also proposed establishing an agency to tackle issues such as visa overstays, overtourism, and land purchases by foreign nationals, particularly near defense facilities and strategic assets. On refugees she explicitly stated: "For those who come [to Japan] with financial motives and claim that they are refugees, I'll have you go home."[2]
Takaichi supports adoption of a "Comprehensive Economic Security Act" that would establish laws and organizations to prevent foreign students and engineers who come to Japan from nations like China from taking Japanese technology back to their home countries for military purposes.[3]
Gender issues
Takaichi has expressed socially conservative views on several issues. She said in December 2020 that proposed legislation to recognize separate family names for married couples could "destroy the social structure based on family units". Takaichi also opposes revising the Imperial Household Law to allow women to accede the Chrysanthemum Throne. While opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage, she has also said that "there should be no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity" and expressed support in "promoting understanding itself."[4]
