WASHINGTON (October 22, 2025)--Sanae Takaichi has made history as she was elected as the first female prime minister by parliament in Japan on Tuesday. This is a landmark moment due to the country being known for both its politics and workplaces to be dominated by older men. Takaichi’s win comes at a time where Japan is facing economic troubles and unstable politics.
For further context and analysis of this announcement, please consider Celeste Arrington, associate professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Co-Director of the East Asia Natural Resource Center. Professor Arrington specializes in comparative politics, with a regional focus on the Koreas and Japan. Her research interests include law and social change, governance, civil society, social movements, policy-making processes, lawyers, the media and politics, and qualitative methods. She is also interested in the international relations and security of Northeast Asia and transnational activism.
To speak with Professor Arrington, please contact Skyler Sales at skylers
gwu [dot] edu.
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