**Biker, Drummer, Who Is Japan’s Next PM Sanae Takaichi?**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 05, 2025, 12:41 pm*
Sanae Takaichi, a former economic security minister, has won the leadership election of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The 64-year-old politician is now poised to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister.
Takaichi’s journey to the top is an intriguing one. Once known for playing the drums in a college heavy metal band and sporting pink hair, she also had an affinity for motorcycles. However, she has since swapped those youthful thrills for a career in politics.
### Political Path
A disciple of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi was appointed to key party posts during his tenure. She is a strong supporter of Abe’s famous “Abenomics” economic policies, advocating for monetary easing and increased fiscal spending.
Her election as LDP leader comes at a challenging time for the party, which is grappling with voter dissatisfaction due to rising inflation and recent scandals.
### Immigration and Foreign Policy Stance
Takaichi is known for her hardline views on immigration and crime. She emphasizes economic security and is critical of foreign influence, particularly wary of China’s military expansion in the Pacific region.
Notably, she has expressed willingness to take a tough stance even against the United States if she perceives a trade deal as unfair to Japan.
### Gender Perspective
While Takaichi’s rise marks a historic milestone for gender representation in Japanese politics, analysts caution that she is not a feminist candidate in the traditional sense.
She opposes reforming a 19th-century law that mandates married couples share the same surname. Nonetheless, she has pledged to improve gender balance in her cabinet significantly, aiming to reach levels comparable to Nordic countries such as Iceland, Finland, and Norway.
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Sanae Takaichi’s unique background and firm stances on key issues set her apart as she prepares to lead Japan into a new political era.
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