Who Is Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’, Poised to Become the Next Prime Minister?

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Who Is Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’, Poised to Become the Next Prime Minister?
Newly-elected leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Sanae Takaichi celebrates after winning the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 4, 2025. Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool Photo via AP
Chris Summers
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Sanae Takaichi was chosen over the weekend as the new leader of Japan’s center-right Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and is set to become the country’s first female prime minister.

“Rather than being happy, I feel like the tough work starts here,” Takaichi, 64, said in her victory speech.

Chris Summers
Chris Summers
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Chris Summers is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of national stories, with a particular interest in crime, policing and the law.