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.

Japan's parliament has elected Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister. On Tuesday, she replaced Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political vacuum.

Though her election is a milestone in a country that struggles with gender equality, critics say hard-line conservative Sanae Takaichi won’t necessarily help women advance.

Sanae Takaichi has become Japan's first female prime minister, a significant milestone in the country's male-dominated political landscape.

On Tuesday, Sanae Takaichi, 64, won election as Japan’s prime minister, the first woman to do so in the nation’s history.

For most of her life, Sanae Takaichi has loved heavy metal. As Japan’s first female leader, she has many reasons to reach for her sticks

Sanae Takaichi is the first woman chosen to serve as Japan's prime minister. She favors a strong military, a strong economy — and a strong drum riff.

Sanae Takaichi will likely become Japan's first female prime minister, thanks to a coalition between her party and a right-wing party. She is a security hawk.

Sanae Takaichi was confirmed as leader days ahead of a possible visit to Japan by President Trump, with whom she shares conservative views and a hawkish stance on China.

Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan's first female prime minister, citing Margaret Thatcher as inspiration while promising to restore confidence and strengthen security.

Did you know that Sanae Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female Prime Minister this week, was once a heavy metal drummer?View on euronews

By Tamiyuki Kihara TOKYO (Reuters) -As Japan's new premier Sanae Takaichi got to work on Wednesday, her government began finalising a purchase package, including U.S. pickups, soybeans and gas, to present to President Donald Trump in trade and security talks next week,