Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister
Japan appointed Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister on Tuesday through a parliamentary vote that sparked stock market gains. The conservative nationalist selected Satsuki Katayama to lead the finance ministry as the country addresses inflation and economic stagnation. Political analysts suggest Takaichi faces pressure to balance fiscal policies between her party and coalition partners while managing relations with Washington.
Market strategists remain divided on whether her economic approach will mirror former leader Shinzo Abe’s policies, given that current conditions differ from a decade ago. Experts note Japan confronts inflation and currency weakness rather than deflation. Takaichi must navigate defense spending demands from President Donald Trump while maintaining domestic support amid rising prices that affect Japanese households.
