Japan has elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, marking a historic moment in the country’s political history. Takaichi, a staunch conservative and protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, secured 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house of parliament to clinch the position. Her confirmation was followed by formal approval in the upper house and a swearing-in ceremony in Tokyo on Tuesday.
The 63-year-old Liberal Democratic Party leader takes office after striking a last-minute coalition deal with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, also known as Ishin. However, her government remains two seats short of a majority, raising concerns about potential instability. Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political stalemate that followed the LDP’s poor performance in the July elections.
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Takaichi’s rise signals a shift further to the right in Japan’s politics. She opposes same-sex marriage, supports male-only imperial succession, and has resisted reforms aimed at promoting gender equality. Her coalition partner, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, said Ishin will not take cabinet positions until the alliance proves stable. The LDP’s longtime ally, Komeito, had earlier quit the partnership over concerns about corruption.
Takaichi has pledged to prioritise political stability and economic revival, amid rising living costs that have fuelled public discontent. Like her mentor Abe, she is expected to favour heavy government spending to stimulate growth, a stance that has boosted Japan’s stock market to record highs. She is expected to deliver a major policy address later this week before holding talks with United States President Donald Trump and other regional leaders.
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