Takaichi Marks 6 Months in Office as Japan PM

Tokyo, April 21 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marked six months in office Tuesday, after becoming the country’s first female leader in October last year. Thanks to high public support for her cabinet, Takaichi, also president of the Liberal Democratic Party, led the ruling party to a landslide victory in the general election for the House of Representatives, the all-important lower chamber of parliament, in February. Going forward, her leadership will likely be tested regarding her signature policies that could split public opinion and measures in response to continued tensions over Iran. “Over the past six months, (the Takaichi administration) has worked courageously to build a strong economy and reinforce Japan’s diplomacy and security,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference Monday. As Takaichi’s key achievements, Kihara cited the enactment of the government’s fiscal 2025 supplementary budget, which features measures against inflation, and the fiscal 2026 regular budget. Touching on the Middle East tensions reflecting the conflict between the U.S.-Israeli camp and Iran, the top government spokesman said the Takaichi government has “made proactive diplomatic efforts” to secure Japan’s national interests, such as stable crude oil supplies, and bring stability to the international community and the global economy. For the rest of the current parliamentary session, the Takaichi administration is set to face challenges that could cause controversy, such as criminalizing acts to damage Japan’s national flag and expanding the use of pre-marriage surnames. “We will implement policies one by one,” Kihara said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]