Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, have displayed an unusual closeness during their meeting in Tokyo, positioning themselves as two conservative women at the pinnacle of global power in a traditionally patriarchal society.
According to the New York Times, their first extended meeting since Takaichi's election in October went beyond diplomatic protocol, reflecting a personal chemistry that is also turning into political capital.
The two prime ministers addressed each other by name – “Giorgia” and “Sanae” – smiled for the cameras and spoke openly about their shared experience as women who have broken the “glass ceiling”.
They are currently the only women at the head of the G7 countries, and at the same time they lead right-wing political forces.
The meeting officially focused on defense, trade, and cultural cooperation, but the symbolism was as strong as the agenda.
At the joint press conference, Takaichi raised a toast to Melon's 49th birthday and presented her with a basket of souvenirs, including "Hello Kitty" items.
Meloni, for her part, posted an anime-style selfie on the X network, talking about a feeling of "friendship and closeness."
According to the New York Times, the two leaders first connected in November, during a G20 meeting, where a video of Takaichi's spontaneous hug to Meloni went viral in Japan.
Both come from modest backgrounds and no family political heritage – an element that has fueled their narrative as "self-made" leaders.
However, despite the powerful gender symbolism, neither Meloni nor Takaichi promote policies that are widely considered feminist.
In Japan, only two out of 18 cabinet members are women, while in Italy, the discourse on family remains tied to traditional models. As the New York Times points out, both leaders come from conservative political cultures and do not prioritize gender equality as a political agenda.
Italy and Japan face similar challenges: aging populations, demographic decline, and tensions over immigration.
They are also reviewing their security relations, in a context of unpredictable American policy under Donald Trump.
In this context, Rome and Tokyo have intensified military cooperation, including a joint project to develop a fighter jet with Britain.
During the visit, the two prime ministers announced their intention for a “special strategic partnership” that would include defense, critical minerals and space exploration. Takaichi also introduced Meloni to the only two women in her cabinet, underscoring the symbolic weight of the moment.
“Sanae and I share the fact that we are the first two women to lead our peoples,” Meloni said, according to the New York Times. “This is a great honor, but above all a responsibility.”