Respected figure: Baroness Margaret Thatcher. Personal goal: to become Japan's Iron Lady.
After two failed attempts, Sanae Takaichi finally achieved her long-held ambition.
The 64-year-old was elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on its 70th anniversary - putting her on course to become the country's first female prime minister.
A former government minister, TV host, and once a drummer in a heavy metal band, she will now face the challenge of leading a party still struggling to regain voter trust after scandals, while responding to a rising far right.
Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961, Takaichi grew up in a family where politics was a distant world. Her love for heavy metal and involvement in various hobbies, including scuba diving, shaped her unique personality.
She entered politics driven by her experiences during the 1980s US-Japan trade disputes and has since been elected to parliament multiple times, advocating for conservative policies.
After winning the LDP leadership race on her third attempt, she is now under pressure to restore confidence among voters and navigate the complexities of Japan's political landscape. Takaichi has pledged to revive the economic vision of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and address pressing social issues like increasing support for caregivers and improving women's health services.
With a backdrop of a declining economy and rising right-wing sentiment in Japan, Takaichi's leadership will be key to the future direction of the LDP as she prepares to potentially become Japan's first female prime minister, pending parliamentary confirmation on October 15.
