Ultraconservative, anti-immigrant: Who is Japan’s first woman PM?

Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister. However, this was hardly a win for feminist or progressive politics.

Takaichi is a right-wing ultraconservative whose policy positions derive from traditionalist perspectives on the role of women, Japanese history and society more broadly.

She has the same anti-immigrant positions as conservatives and right-wing populists the world over, defending “national identity and traditional values”, while emphasising the importance of strong economic growth.

Far from solving Japan’s economic problems, however, policies that restrict immigration tend to cause labour shortages and inflation.

Japan is the canary in the coalmine for many developed countries suffering a demographic crisis due to falling birth rates. Japan’s population has declined for 16 consecutive years.

Unless Takaichi adopts a more pragmatic approach on immigration, her tenure could be one of economic stasis and relative decline.

?? Japanese Prime Minister candidate Sanae Takaichi talks about how foreigners who stay illegally must be sent back. She also talks about rejecting people with fake refugee claims who are taking advantage of Japan's generosity. pic.twitter.com/HOEXXyH65e— 鈴森はるか 『haruka suzumori』 ?? (@harukaawake) October 3, 2025

How did Takaichi become PM?

Takaichi was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party earlier this month. Her rise to prime minister was delayed, however, when the LDP’s junior partner, the Komeito party, withdrew from the governing coalition over the LDP’s handling of...

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