Sanae Takaichi: podcast appearances and interviews

Sanae Takaichi is a Japanese politician who has been serving as the Prime Minister of Japan and the President of the Liberal Democratic Party since October 2025. She is the first woman in Japanese history to hold either position. Takaichi has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1993, with a brief gap between 2003 and 2005. She has held various ministerial roles during the administrations of Shinzo Abe and Fumio Kishida, including as Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and as Minister of State for Economic Security. Born in Tenri, Nara Prefecture, she graduated from Kobe University and previously worked as an author, legislative aide, and broadcaster before entering politics. She initially was elected as an independent and joined the Liberal Democratic Party in 1996. A protégé of Prime Minister Abe, she ran for party leadership multiple times, narrowly losing in 2024 before winning in 2025. Her election as Prime Minister involved the securing of a coalition agreement with the Japan Innovation Party, and she was elected by the National Diet on 21 October. Her early tenure has included managing diplomatic tensions with China and maintaining high approval ratings, culminating in a landslide victory for the LDP in 2026. Takaichi is known for her conservative and ultraconservative views, supporting policies such as revising Japan's constitution, strengthening the US–Japan alliance, and maintaining traditional social positions. She has been associated with the far-right Nippon Kaigi and has made visits to the Yasukuni Shrine. Takaichi has expressed her ambition to become Japan's 'Iron Lady' and is regarded as one of the most powerful women in the world.