Japan’s 1st female premier takes office with 64.4% approval as scandal-linked lawmakers gain posts

By Saadet Gokce and Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan’s first female Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae began her term Wednesday with a 64.4% approval rating, even as seven lawmakers implicated in a political funds scandal were appointed to senior government posts.

Takaichi was elected Tuesday after winning a majority in both chambers of parliament. Her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured power through a coalition deal with the opposition Japan Innovation Party (JIP).

A Kyodo News poll showed that 64.4% of respondents viewed the formation of the new coalition positively. The survey also found that 66.2% approved of the LDP’s former ally withdrawing from their 26-year partnership, which collapsed over what was seen as the LDP’s “insufficient” response to a political funds scandal that has eroded its support base.

The scandal, which surfaced in late 2023, involved unreported income from fundraising events by several intraparty factions, including that of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The funds were allegedly diverted into secret accounts, fueling public criticism and weakening the party’s hold on power.

Takaichi’s Cabinet lineup has drawn scrutiny after at least seven LDP lawmakers under investigation for their alleged roles in the scandal were named senior or parliamentary vice ministers. The LDP, which has governed almost continuously since 1955, was accused of lacking transparency and accountability over the affair.

Takaichi approved a total of 26 senior vice ministers and 28 parliamentary vice ministers in her first round of appointments.

- Survivors urge commitment to nuclear-free policy

Japan’s atomic bombing survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki called on the new premier to reaffirm the country’s commitment to a nuclear-free world, expressing concern over her past comments suggesting that Japan’s three non-nuclear principles should be reconsidered.

Takeshi Yamakawa, an 89-year-old Nagasaki survivor, said: “While it is historic to have the first female prime minister, I am deeply concerned about her policy direction, which seems to rely more on force than dialogue.”

While serving as the LDP’s policy chief in 2022, Takaichi said exceptions could be made to Japan’s long-standing principles of not possessing, producing, or allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons during emergencies.

Takashi Hiraoka, 97, former mayor of Hiroshima, urged the new government to “pursue peace diplomacy earnestly.”

Terumi Tanaka, 93, co-chair of the atomic survivors’ group Nihon Hidankyo, said Takaichi has repeatedly made hawkish remarks, adding that “we must scrutinize its security and nuclear policies in every detail.”