Sanae Takaichi

Sanae Takaichi

Author: BBC Radio 4 October 27, 2025 Duration: 14:53

Sanae Takaichi is the first female prime minister of Japan.

Once the drummer in a heavy metal band, she is now a staunch conservative, tough on immigration and against same sex marriage. More Iron Lady than Iron Maiden, the 64-year-old models her strong leadership style on Margaret Thatcher.

She entered politics in 1993, the same year as future prime minister Shinzo Abe. A loyal ally, she quickly rose the ranks in his cabinet. After several unsuccessful leadership attempts, she finally became prime minister on October 21st 2025.

To some this is a victory for women in Japan, but others see her conservative views as evidence there is still a long way to go. Mark Coles voyages into the world of Japanese politics to find out.

Production Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Ben Crighton, Mhairi MacKenzie and Alex Loftus Japanese fixer: Ryuzo Tsutsui Editor: Justine Lang Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Editor: Duncan Hannant


Each week, Profile from BBC Radio 4 takes a single name from the global conversation and builds a detailed portrait, moving far beyond the headlines. This isn't a simple biography or a news recap. Instead, through careful documentary storytelling and personal journal excerpts where available, the podcast constructs a nuanced examination of character and motive. You’ll hear from colleagues, critics, and sometimes the subjects themselves, piecing together what drives and defines the people shaping our world. The focus rests firmly on influence, whether in politics, the arts, science, or social movements, exploring how an individual's background and choices ripple through society and culture. Listening to this podcast feels like gaining a deeper, more textured understanding of the figures you think you know, revealing the contradictions and convictions behind the public image. It’s a thoughtful half-hour that challenges first impressions, asking what truly lies behind a name in the news.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Profile
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