TOKYO –  – Sanae Takaichi has cemented her place in history, achieving her long-held ambition to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister. The 64-year-old, a colorful and formidable figure on the right of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), secured her leadership on October 21st following a historic parliamentary vote.

Takaichi, who once hosted a TV show and played drums in a heavy metal band, now faces the monumental task of leading a nation grappling with a sluggish economy, demographic decline, and rising geopolitical tensions.

A New “Golden Age” for US-Japan Ties

The immediate focus of her new administration was her first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo, where the two leaders signed two pivotal agreements:

• “New Golden Age” Deal: This agreement, which refers to previous strategic investment deals, confirms a strong mutual commitment to implementing the “GREAT DEAL,” aiming to “strengthen economic security, promote economic growth, and thereby continuously lead to global prosperity.”
• Critical Minerals Agreement: The deal provides a framework to boost the supply and production of rare earthsbetween the two allies. This move is critical for Washington, which is racing to diversify its supply of essential electronics and military components to reduce reliance on China’s near-monopoly on processing critical minerals.

President Trump was effusive in his praise, calling Japan an “ally at the strongest level” and describing Takaichi as “one of the greatest prime ministers,” acknowledging the significance of her victory.

Abductee Crisis and the Conservative Leader

The meeting also focused on the long-standing crisis of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. Takaichi and Trump posed with the families of the abductees.

“I’ve met the families before and I’m with them all the way, and the US is with them all the way,” Trump stated, adding, “But we will do everything in our power” to help resolve the issue.

was received by an honour guard from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.

Takaichi, known for her tough stance on immigration and deeply conservative views—including on women’s equality and maintaining male-preference imperial succession—is often referred to as “Japan’s Margaret Thatcher.” Her challenge now will be to navigate a complex domestic political landscape while maintaining LDP unity and delivering on her promises of a “new golden era” of the Japan-US alliance.