‘Crisis made this occur’: Analysts on how new PM Takaichi shattered Japan’s glass ceiling | USAEMALL.com

Takaichi appointed only two female ministers, dashing expectations for greater female representation in her administration.

However, experts said the move likely aligned with bureaucratic expectations and helped solidify her standing at a time when support is crucial.

“I think she emphasised the importance of status quo,” said Kei Koga, an associate professor at Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) School of Social Sciences.

“(If there are) disruptions, then there probably might be some kind of instability within the party. Given they are a minority government, the LDP needs to have a strong unified front.”

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK: SANAENOMICS?

Analysts also praised Takaichi’s “strong pick” to oversee the country’s coffers.

Satsuki Katayama, Japan’s first female finance minister, is a former high-ranking finance ministry official with deep knowledge of the institution’s inner workings – a background seen as critical for navigating Japan’s complex fiscal challenges.

Takaichi is a long-time advocate of “Abenomics”, the economic policies of her late mentor, former prime minister Shinzo Abe. Expectations for her policies, in what some have now dubbed “Sanaenomics”, include fiscal expansion and monetary easing.

However, coalition partner Ishin favours deregulation, budget cuts and smaller government – a stance that could dampen Takaichi’s economic ambitions.

“Ishin thinks the country should be run like a business. That’s going to run directly counter to the tradition that Takaichi represents … generous fiscal policies, loose monetary policies, kind of economic thinking,” said Michael Cucek, an Asian studies professor at Temple University.

“The coalition agreement that the two sides have worked out does not patch over that big gap between their basic (financial) philosophies.”