Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae: Domestic Hopes and Regional Implications
REPORTER:
Japan’s new prime minister, Takaichi Sanae, says she’s ready to get to work. While domestic issues will take up much of her attention, her foreign policy is attracting attention too in places like Beijing. Her past indicates that Taiwan may have a friend, if only an unofficial one, in Takaichi.
REPORTER:
Japan’s new Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is flanked by her Cabinet for a group photo. With just two other women in the group, this might not be quite the glass ceiling moment some had expected. Still, Japan’s first woman prime minister has arrived. She says she’s ready to dive into the job.
Takaichi Sanae (JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER):
I am firmly determined to build a strong Japanese economy and to protect Japan’s national interests through diplomacy and security.
REPORTER:
In her hometown, Nara, it’s Japan’s domestic problems that are on most people’s minds—and they hope Takaichi will help turn them around.
Nara Resident:
Prices have gone up and it's tough. Honestly, I mostly shop at 100-yen shops now. It’s hard to get by. I hope she’ll pay attention to that. But she’s mostly in Tokyo, right? She doesn’t come to Nara much. I’d like her to support Nara more.
Studen:
Support for childcare and help for women returning to work after having children. I hope there will be more policies in those areas.
REPORTER:
But from Trump’s tariffs to relations with powerful China next door, Takaichi has a lot to do on the diplomatic front, too. With neighbors like China, her nationalist politics may cause irritation.
REPORTER:
She is known to visit this controversial place, Yasukuni shrine, where Japan’s war dead are remembered. They include convicted war criminals from World War II.
REPORTER:
And she’s a close friend of Taiwan, too: on a visit in April, she even met with President Lai Ching-te.
REPORTER:
Beijing says her selection as prime minister is an internal Japanese affair, but urged her to hold the line on political documents Japan and China have signed—including on issues like Taiwan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson:
We hope Japan will work with China in the same direction abide by the principles set out in the four political documents between China and Japan honor its political commitments on major issues including those related to history and Taiwan uphold the political foundation of bilateral relations and advance the comprehensive development of the China-Japan strategic and mutually beneficial partnership.
REPORTER:
In Taiwan, though, there’s confidence that Takaichi will bring closer ties with Japan.
Taiwan Foreign Minister:
In terms of the economy and security we hope for close cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, especially in forging a democratic non-communist supply chain. We also hope to get Taiwan into the [Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership] and get more support and assistance economically from the Japanese government.
REPORTER:
Among the things Takaichi has suggested is a regional “quasi-security alliance” that would include Taiwan, as well as closer cooperation in tech. If Takaichi’s past is any indication, informal ties with Taiwan could grow under her premiership
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