Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 22: The exile spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Wednesday extended warm congratulations to Sanae Takaichi on her election as the Prime Minister of Japan, acknowledging her decades of public service and the historic nature of her leadership as the country’s first woman head of government.
In a letter to Prime Minister Takaichi, the Tibetan spiritual leader praised Japan’s longstanding commitment to peace and nuclear disarmament, highlighting the country’s moral leadership in the aftermath of the devastation caused by nuclear attacks during World War II.
“No doubt your several decades of public service will serve you well in leading Japan at this crucial point in your country’s history when the world is facing great challenges,” His Holiness wrote. “Having experienced immense suffering as a result of being attacked with nuclear weapons, Japan has steadfastly taken the lead in its efforts to establish peace in the world. It has been a forthright champion of nuclear disarmament.”
He further emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing the growing uncertainties and conflicts worldwide. “Especially at times like these when there is such uncertainty and upheaval in many parts of the world, it is vitally important that concerted efforts be made to resolve problems through dialogue and diplomacy,” the Dalai Lama added.
Congratulating Takaichi on becoming Japan’s first woman prime minister, the Dalai Lama reflected on the role of women in leadership, noting their inherent compassion and emotional sensitivity — qualities he attributed to his own late mother. “I believe that women are more compassionate and sensitive to the feelings of others, qualities I first learned from my own loving mother. There is also scientific evidence that when it comes to compassion, women are more sensitive to others’ pain,” he said. “I am therefore firmly convinced that if more of our leaders were women, the world would be a more understanding, peaceful place.”
Concluding his message, His Holiness wished Prime Minister Takaichi success in her leadership and expressed hope that her tenure would further strengthen happiness and peace in Japan and beyond.
Takaichi, a veteran conservative politician, assumed office as Japan’s first female prime minister following her election by the National Diet earlier this month. Her journey to the premiership has unfolded amid considerable political turbulence in Japan. On 4 October, she was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), becoming the first woman to head the party. Following the party leadership election, she moved toward the national stage. On 21 October, she was voted in by the lower house of Japan’s parliament, the House of Representatives, winning 237 votes against 149 for her main rival, thereby avoiding a runoff.
