Japan Elects Sanae Takaichi as First Female Prime Minister

Japan has elected Sanae Takaichi as its first-ever female prime minister, marking a historic moment for the country’s politics while signalling a decisive shift to the right.

Takaichi, a staunch ultraconservative who has often cited Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration, won 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house of parliament and is expected to secure approval from the upper chamber before being sworn in later today.

Her election follows a last-minute coalition deal between her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party, struck after the LDP’s centrist ally Komeito withdrew from the government. The change comes after the resignation of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba last month.

«Political stability is essential right now. Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy,» Takaichi said at the signing ceremony on Monday.

Takaichi takes office amid mounting economic pressures, with rising living costs and growing frustration among voters fuelling support for opposition and far-right parties. Despite her landmark victory, her new coalition remains short of a full majority, leaving her dependent on support from smaller parties to pass key legislation.