Dalai Lama Congratulates Japan's First Female Prime Minister

H.H. the Dalai Lama and Japan’s first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

The Dalai Lama extended warm congratulations to Sanae Takaichi following her election as Prime Minister of Japan, acknowledging the historic significance of her leadership as the country’s first female head of government.

Letter to the New Prime Minister

In a letter to Prime Minister Takaichi, the Tibetan spiritual leader praised Japan’s longstanding commitment to peace and nuclear disarmament. He emphasised the country’s moral leadership in the aftermath of the devastation caused by nuclear attacks during World War II.

The Dalai Lama wrote: “Because Japan has experienced immense suffering as a result of nuclear weapons attacks, it has steadfastly taken the lead in its efforts to establish peace.”

Women in Leadership

Marking Takaichi’s historic election as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, the Dalai Lama reflected on the role of women in leadership. He attributed his own values of compassion to his mother and noted that women possess inherent qualities that contribute to more peaceful leadership.

“I believe that women are more compassionate and more sensitive to the feelings of others,” he wrote, “qualities I first learned from my own loving mother.” He added: “There is also scientific evidence that when it comes to compassion, women are more sensitive to the pain of others.”

The Dalai Lama expressed his conviction that “if more of our leaders were women, the world would be a more understanding, peaceful place.”

Background on Sanae Takaichi

On 21 October 2025, Sanae Takaichi, an experienced conservative politician, became Japan’s first female Prime Minister after winning a vote in the House of Representatives with 237 votes. The election marks a historic moment for Japan, a country traditionally characterised by male-dominated political structures.

Takaichi faces the challenge of strengthening her relationships with key international partners while defending Japan’s economic interests. As a hardline conservative, she brings decades of public service experience to the premiership.

Japanese-Tibetan Relations

The Dalai Lama’s congratulations underscore the longstanding ties between the Tibetan exile community and Japan. Japan has historically taken a nuanced position towards Tibet, maintaining cultural and religious ties while also sustaining diplomatic relations with China.

The Dalai Lama’s recognition of Japan’s leadership in peace and disarmament resonates with the Tibetan approach of non-violence and dialogue as means of resolving conflicts.