UAE President Congratulates Japan's Sanae Takaichi on Historic Election Win

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has congratulated Japan’s Sanae Takaichi on her historic election as the nation’s first female prime minister, marking a groundbreaking moment in Japan’s political history.

In a statement, Sheikh Mohamed wished her success in “leading the country towards further progress and development,” adding that he looks forward to working closely with her to “deepen UAE-Japan ties” and build on the foundations of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) set to be formalised between both nations.

I extend my congratulations to Sanae Takaichi on becoming Prime Minister of Japan and wish her success in leading the country towards further progress and development. Building on the foundations of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, I look forward to working together to…

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) October 21, 2025

Takaichi, a hardline conservative and long-time ally of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, secured 237 votes in the lower house election — enough to claim the majority in Japan’s 465-seat chamber. Her win makes her Japan’s 104th prime minister, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month following his party’s election losses.

Her victory also represents a major political and social milestone in a country where men have long dominated leadership roles. However, analysts suggest her administration may bring a shift to the right, especially on immigration and social policies.

Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) ahead of the vote, giving her the numbers to secure victory. Still, experts note that to govern effectively, her coalition must win broader parliamentary support.

“The two parties do not command a majority in either chamber and to ensure a stable government and gain control of key parliamentary committees, they will need to secure more than half the seats,” said Tadashi Mori, a professor of politics at Aichi Gakuin University.

Economically, Takaichi is expected to echo the late Abe’s pro-growth strategies by favouring government spending to boost Japan’s struggling economy — a stance that has already driven the Nikkei share average to record highs.

Yet, economists warn that expanding stimulus in an inflationary environment could weaken the yen and strain Japan’s debt-heavy economy.

Takaichi, who was also approved by Japan’s upper house, will be sworn in later on Tuesday evening, ushering in a new chapter in Japan’s leadership — one defined by both historic change and pressing challenges ahead.