Japan’s Takaichi marks first year in office amid mounting political strains

The Sansasyonel - International (English) · Oct 21, 2026 · 1m

Sanae Takaichi has marked a full year as Japan’s first woman prime minister, surpassing expectations that her time in office would be short-lived. She guided the struggling Liberal Democratic Party to a significant electoral win and garnered backing for maintaining a firm stance during a prolonged diplomatic row with China over Taiwan. A recent survey placed her approval at approximately 50 percent—the lowest since she took office but still above the 30 percent “danger zone” that has signalled the end of previous administrations. Supporters have also commended her straightforward style of…