By Florenda Corpuz
TOKYO/MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her election as Japan’s first female prime minister, calling her rise to leadership a testament to the country’s democratic values and commitment to representation.
“Her assumption demonstrates Japan’s firm democratic advocacy and reflects the country’s commitment to progress and representation,” Marcos said in a statement.
Takaichi, 64, a veteran member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and a close ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was formally chosen as Japan’s 104th prime minister on Oct. 21, with support from the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) and several independent lawmakers.
Photo courtesy of © Cabinet Public Relations Office, Cabinet Secretariat
In her first address to parliament, Takaichi, a native of Nara Prefecture, pledged to steer Japan toward economic recovery and restore its diplomatic influence. “I will work resolutely for the sake of our nation and the Japanese people,” she said. “I will strive to build a strong economy, turn people’s unease into hope, and revitalize Japan’s presence on the world stage.”
Japanese media reported that Takaichi is arranging a meeting with Marcos during her visit to Malaysia this weekend for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, which will mark her first overseas engagement as prime minister.
Marcos said he looked forward to working with Takaichi to strengthen bilateral cooperation as the Philippines and Japan prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Japan remains a key defense and development partner of the Philippines. The two countries recently finalized a reciprocal access agreement allowing their armed forces to conduct joint exercises as tensions continue in the South China Sea.
