Sanae Takaichi has made a promising diplomatic debut as Japan’s prime minister, but Japan's path forward remains fraught amid global uncertainty.

Japan ranks low in gender equality among developed nations. The first woman to lead the country is an ultraconservative who cites Margaret Thatcher as a role model. She also loves heavy metal.

President Trump began one of his busiest days of his Asia trip on Tuesday by greeting the new Japanese prime minister, and taking her with him as he spoke to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier.

By Kaori Kaneko KISARAZU, Japan (Reuters) -At a farmer's market not far from Tokyo, more than 100 shoppers queued for a chance to get a kilo or so of Japanese rice for 500 yen ($3.32) by carefully heaping as much of the grain into a small wooden box as possible.

Renowned Japan expert Sheila Smith discusses the country’s historic election of its first female prime minister, her politics, her likely policies, and their impact on women.

US President Donald Trump is in Japan today, continuing his series of key meetings with leaders in Asia, as the government shutdown drags on back home. Follow for live updates.

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Since taking office, Takaichi has shown a willingness to moderate on many issues – with the marked exception of national security policy.

Sanae Takaichi just signed a rare earth minerals deal and a document pledging to a new "golden age" of U.S.-Japan relations with President Trump.