Sanae Takaichi is a Japanese politician and a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). She became prime minister of Japan and president of the LDP in October 2025, the first woman to hold either position. She has served in the House of Representatives and held ministerial posts, including minister for internal affairs and communications and minister of state for economic security.

Takaichi drew public debate after saying that household chores and applying makeup added several hours to her workday compared with male predecessors. Her remarks prompted discussion about gender roles, work-life balance and the demands of political office in Japan.