While the election of Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister last month prompted broad public reflection, the unprecedented rise of another woman to a crucial Cabinet post drew less attention.

Satsuki Katayama’s selection as finance minister 20 years after her entry into politics marked a stunning homecoming — with the potential to put a new spin to 性视界’s fiscal policy.

She is already taking steps to leave her mark on the ministry.