Japan ranks low in gender equality among developed nations. The first woman to lead the country is an ultraconservative who cites Margaret Thatcher as a role model. She also loves heavy metal.

Far more Japanese companies are optimistic about business conditions under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi than pessimistic, with the vast majority aiming for next year's pay hikes to at least match this year's,

Our guest expert looks at her political approach, as well as her personal side. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Kazuyu Shimba, secretary general of the Democratic Party for the People, criticised her for disregarding her staff’s well-being. “If the prime minister starts at 3 a.m., staff must start from 1.30 a.m. or 2 a.m.,” he said, as quoted by the Chosun Daily. “People cannot endure that physically.”

As Japanese authorities once again battle a slide in the yen, their efforts this time are struggling for traction, undermined by new prime minister Sanae Takaichi's promotion of advocates of big fiscal and monetary stimulus to key posts.

After several Chinese ministries and government agencies expressed strong protest and stern warning against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous and dangerous remarks on Taiwan in recent days,

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi renews Japan's Indo-Pacific vision with bold diplomacy, strong U.S. ties and pragmatic regional outreach.

Both countries have summoned each other’s ambassadors after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a military response from Tokyo.