Japan's "Iron Lady" Sanae Takaichi -- from rebel biker to LDP's first female president
發佈日期: 2025-10-21 23:45
TVB News
Known as Japan's Iron Lady, Sanae Takaichi has long been known for her close ties with the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
TVB News takes a closer look at Sanae's past and personal life -- from a rebellious biker girl to the top of Japan's political world.
64-year-old Sanae Takaichi has spent three decades in politics and often cited former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her political role model.
Three times a charm -- as Takaichi became the first woman to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party after running for the party's presidency three times.
Born to an ordinary white-collar family in Nara Prefecture, Takaichi showed a rebellious streak during her youth and joined a "bosozoku" biker gang, riding heavy motorcycles to school.
Yet behind the leather and noise was a sharp mind with an unmistakable drive.
She excelled in her studies and went on to major in business administration at Kobe University, where she played drums in a student rock band.
In 1993, Takaichi was elected to the House of Representatives with the highest number of votes in her constituency.
She joined LDP in 1996, and has since served in various senior government positions, including State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
When Shinzo Abe returned to power in 2012, Takaichi once again took on key roles -- marking first-time female leadership for two government positions.
She has pledged to revive "Abenomics".
Known for her strong conservative stance, Takaichi has opposed allowing married women to retain their maiden names -- a position critics say hinders gender equality.
Takaichi married ex-lawmaker Taku Yamamoto in 2004.
The couple divorced in 2017, citing differences in political views but reconciled and remarried in 2021.
After their remarriage, they decided by rock-paper-scissors whose surname to adopt -- Takaichi won, and Yamamoto changed his family registry name to Taku Takaichi.
