“Iron Lady”: Is Takaichi Sanae the Margaret Thatcher of Japan?

Japan has elected a woman as prime minister for the first time: Takaichi Sanae. But before she can go down in history as the “Iron Lady,” she has to overcome three huge challenges – from fighting inflation and empowering women in the labor market to creating security for Japan in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment.

Last updated: 09. November 2025