Sanae Takaichi is the first female prime minister of Japan.
Once the drummer in a heavy metal band, she is now a staunch conservative, tough on immigration and against same sex marriage. More Iron Lady than Iron Maiden, the 64-year-old models her strong leadership style on Margaret Thatcher.
She entered politics in 1993, the same year as future prime minister Shinzo Abe. A loyal ally, she quickly rose the ranks in his cabinet. After several unsuccessful leadership attempts, she finally became prime minister on October 21st 2025.
To some this is a victory for women in Japan, but others see her conservative views as evidence there is still a long way to go.
Mark Coles voyages into the world of Japanese politics to find out.
Production
Presenter: Mark Coles
Producers: Ben Crighton, Mhairi MacKenzie and Alex Loftus
Japanese fixer: Ryuzo Tsutsui
Editor: Justine Lang
Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele
Sound Editor: Duncan Hannant
