Sanae Takaichi made history today by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, following a parliamentary vote that secured her a clear majority.
Takaichi won 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house and 125 votes in the upper house, paving the way for her formal swearing-in later today.
The vote came after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, reached a coalition agreement with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party on Tuesday. Ishiba had announced his resignation last month, and Takaichi’s name was subsequently proposed as his successor.
A staunch conservative who has cited former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her inspiration, Takaichi takes office at a time when Japan faces growing economic pressures, particularly rising inflation and public dissatisfaction over the cost of living.
She has also voiced strong positions on immigration and has attracted growing support from right-wing and far-right groups, including the Sansaito Party.
Takaichi’s election marks a historic moment for Japan, which has never before had a woman in the country’s highest political office.
