Sanae Takaichi made history when she became Japan’s first female prime minister. She was also only the second Liberal Democratic Party leader to do so without relying upon formal factional affiliation at any point in her career and she comes in at a dynamic time in Japanese politics when circumstances have begun shifting from single party dominance to a multiparty melee.
Takaichi’s first order of business was the same as any prime minister: to form her Cabinet. The appointments are key indicators for assessing a new political administration in Tokyo. They offer insight into the state of political alliances within the ruling party, since they can be used to reward partners, punish rivals or co-opt threats. They signal policy priorities based on where trusted confidants and subject matter experts are placed. They can also highlight weak points in an administration that could become liabilities for the prime minister.
Takaichi only appointed two women in the Cabinet, which was identical to the previous Shigeru Ishiba administration. Perhaps some were hoping that a female prime minister would increase women’s representation in the Cabinet, and the fact that it did not will likely draw criticism that Takaichi is not a true ally to her female colleagues.
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