Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female Prime Minister, receives support from her husband, Taku Yamamoto, who aims to be a “stealth husband” by cooking meals while avoiding the spotlight.
“In Japan, unlike the West, it’s preferable for a partner to remain out of the public eye,” said 73-year-old Taku Yamamoto, as quoted by Fukui Television, following Takaichi’s appointment as premier.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (center, front row) with her cabinet in Tokyo, October 21, 2025. — AFP
He emphasized the importance of Takaichi being able to “pursue her vision as Prime Minister.”
“I intend to offer steadfast support as a ‘stealth husband’ to ensure my presence doesn’t hinder her,” he added, as reported by Asahi newspaper and other media outlets.
Former LDP lawmaker Yamamoto married Takaichi in 2004, divorced in 2017 due to “political differences,” and remarried in 2021 after supporting her LDP leadership bid, during which he lost his parliamentary seat.
Licence to Cook
Takaichi, 64, holds conservative views on gender, appointing just two women to her cabinet: Satsuki Katayama as Finance Minister and Kimi Onoda as Economic Security Minister.
She opposes changing a 19th-century law mandating shared surnames for married couples, often resulting in women adopting their husband’s name, despite challenges it posed for them.
In their first marriage, Takaichi used Yamamoto’s surname officially; in their second, he adopted hers.
They reside in a parliamentary housing complex in Tokyo, where Takaichi assists Yamamoto after his stroke and 2024 prostate cancer diagnosis.
Reports indicate Yamamoto first proposed in 2004 via phone, promising, “With my chef’s license, I’ll ensure you enjoy delicious meals for life,” according to Jiji Press.
Takaichi, a Margaret Thatcher admirer and former heavy metal drummer, described him as unsociable initially, but his marriage proposal won her over.
Takaichi lost her parliamentary seat in 2003 but regained it in 2005, resulting in both becoming parliament members.
As Takaichi wasn’t adept at cooking, he continued preparing meals, declaring, “The kitchen is my domain, so please stay out,” Jiji reported.
