Meeting with the Group of Women Ambassadors in Japan

On January 15, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi had a meeting with the Group of Women Ambassadors in Japan at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister said in her remarks:

“Today, I am very pleased to meet the women ambassadors who play an active role in Japan on behalf of their respective countries. I also express my respect for the activities of the ‘Group of Women Ambassadors’ in Japan aimed at promoting women’s participation and diversity.

I understand that the flowers were meant to congratulate me on my inauguration, and I sincerely thank you for the beautiful flowers.

Gender equality brings innovation to the economy and society, and I believe that it is an integral part of our efforts to ensure lasting development. While I myself sought to become ‘Prime Minister,’ rather than ‘Japan’s first female Prime Minster,’ so I am engaged in my daily work without being particularly conscious of that point.

That said, I am delighted to hear that some people feel encouraged by the fact that I was able to break one of the so-called ‘glass ceilings.’

This is something we all need to be mindful of, but I heard that what is called the ‘glass cliff’ lies beyond the ‘glass ceiling.’ This is a phenomenon where women are more likely to assume leadership positions in organizational crises, or situations prone to failure. And when they actually fail, it leads to biases such as ‘women are not suited to leadership.’

In order to sweep away such phrase, let us work hard together and show results.

I hope that we can join forces to make the world a better place, both now and in the future.”