Photo courtesy: Prime Minister's Office of Japan
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday congratulated Takaichi Sanae on her historic election as Japan’s first female prime minister, calling it a milestone for democracy and gender equality.
“Congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on her historic election as Japan’s first female Prime Minister. Her assumption demonstrates Japan’s firm democratic advocacy and reflects the country’s commitment to progress and representation,” Marcos said in a statement.
Takaichi, a veteran lawmaker from Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and a close ally of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, succeeds Shigeru Ishiba after securing a decisive majority in Japan’s parliament.
Marcos said he looks forward to working with Takaichi in commemorating the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations in 2026, and in advancing cooperation under the PH-Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership.
Japan remains one of the Philippines’ closest defense and development partners, having recently finalized a reciprocal access agreement that will allow joint military exercises between their armed forces amid growing regional tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
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