While the election of Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister last month prompted broad public reflection, the unprecedented rise of another woman to a crucial portfolio in the Cabinet drew less attention.
Satsuki Katayama’s selection as finance minister 20 years after her entry into politics marked a stunning homecoming — with the potential to put a new spin to Japan’s fiscal policy.
She is already taking steps to leave her mark on the ministry.