Former U.S. President Donald Trump has congratulated Sanae Takaichi, who is poised to become Japan’s first female prime minister, marking a historic moment in the nation’s political history. In a message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump praised Japan for its “tremendous achievement,” describing Takaichi as “a respected person of great wisdom and strength.” Although he did not mention her name directly, his remarks came shortly after Takaichi secured leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), placing her in line to take over the country’s top post.
Takaichi’s victory in the LDP leadership race represents a groundbreaking shift for Japan, a country that has long struggled with gender inequality in politics and corporate leadership. The 63-year-old conservative lawmaker is known for her strong nationalistic stance and admiration for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, often drawing comparisons between their leadership styles. Her political priorities are expected to focus on strengthening national defense, addressing Japan’s declining birth rate, and maintaining the country’s close alliance with the United States.
The path ahead, however, may not be entirely smooth. The LDP, once a dominant political force, now faces challenges in both houses of parliament and will likely need to navigate coalition politics to secure her appointment. Despite these hurdles, Takaichi’s rise signals a potential cultural shift in Japan’s governance, where only a handful of women have held cabinet-level positions in the past. Her leadership will likely test Japan’s readiness to embrace a new era of gender inclusivity in politics.
Trump’s congratulatory message also underscores the enduring ties between Washington and Tokyo. During his presidency, Trump forged a working relationship with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and often praised Japan’s role in regional stability. His latest remarks suggest continued support for a strong U.S.-Japan alliance under Takaichi’s leadership. In response, Takaichi expressed gratitude for Trump’s words and emphasized her commitment to “further deepening the partnership between Japan and the United States” while promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
As she prepares to assume office, Takaichi faces both high expectations and complex challenges — from managing Japan’s economic recovery to navigating delicate relations with neighboring countries like China and South Korea. Still, her election marks a defining milestone for Japan, symbolizing not only a step forward in gender equality but also a new chapter in the country’s postwar political identity.