Sanae Takaichi, who recently became Japan’s first female prime minister, is already making waves around the world for her staunch conservative politics – and sense of style. Both were on full display during the 64-year-old’s meeting with US president Donald Trump in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Takaichi, of the Liberal Democratic Party, is said to be a strong proponent of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe’s school of politics. Trump, who previously called the conservative and nationalist politician a “highly respected person of great wisdom”, reaffirmed his support for Takaichi on Tuesday, praising her “strong handshake”.
“This will be a relationship that will be stronger than ever before,” added Trump. “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there. We are an ally at the strongest level.”
Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi at the premier’s office in Tokyo after she was elected as the country’s first female leader. Photo: Kyodo
During her campaign, Takaichi boldly proclaimed that she aspires to be Japan’s Iron Lady, referring to the nickname famously given to Margaret Thatcher, the late former prime minister of the United Kingdom. From what we’ve seen so far, Baroness Thatcher’s politics aren’t the only thing the Japanese head of government seems to be inspired by – she is also drawing sartorial cues from the icon.
Sanae Takaichi sees Margaret Thatcher as a role model. Photo: Kyodo
On the day the Nara Prefecture native won the parliamentary vote that would make her the first female leader of Japan, she was wearing a blue blazer over a black ensemble, accessorised with a string of pearls.
Sanae Takaichi in the Liberal Democratic Party leader’s chair. Photo: Kyodo
She opted for an all-blue power suit earlier this month too, again with a pearl necklace, when she won the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election. Her love for pearls and blue suits, which many speculate to be from the brand Jun Ashida, may well be a nod to her idol. Thatcher was known to be a fan of the look herself.
Sanae Takaichi heading to the Imperial Palace to participate in a formal appointment ceremony. Photo: AP
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