Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, stepping into leadership at a time of political division. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is struggling to regain stability after losing its coalition ally following a series of scandals. With five prime ministers in five years, public confidence in the government has plunged. Japan continues to lag behind in gender representation, with women holding only a small share of seats in parliament. A protégé of former leader Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has vowed to strengthen the economy, tighten immigration rules, and boost national defence. Her leadership will soon be tested as she prepares to welcome US President Donald Trump for her first major diplomatic meeting.