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.

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

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,

Takaichi’s leadership promises continuity with Abe’s Indo-Pacific strategy, strengthening defence and economic cooperation with India amid growing regional competition.

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,

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her desire Monday to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to finally resolve a decades-long abduction of Japanese nationals.

While consumer inflation continues to hover around 3% due to rising food costs, Japan is still "half way" in achieving sustainable and stable price growth backed by solid wage gains, Takaichi told parliament.

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.