Japan elects Sanae Takaichi as first female prime minister

Japan’s parliament on Tuesday elected Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister, marking a historic moment in Japanese politics.

The ultraconservative leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) replaces Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned earlier in the day following his party’s major election loss in July.

Takaichi, 64, secured 237 votes — just above the required majority — defeating opposition leader Yoshiko Noda, who received 149 votes. Her victory came a day after the LDP struck a coalition deal with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai), expected to shift the government further to the right.

Takaichi named former Defense Minister Minoru Kihara as chief cabinet secretary and appointed party rivals and veterans to key positions. Toshimitsu Motegi was named foreign minister, Shinjiro Koizumi defense minister, and Yoshimasa Hayashi internal affairs minister. Despite earlier pledges to promote women, only three were appointed to the Cabinet, including Satsuki Katayama as finance minister.

A protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is known for her nationalist stance, opposition to same-sex marriage, and support for male-only imperial succession. She faces mounting challenges — tackling rising prices, restoring party unity, and strengthening Japan’s economy — while maintaining delicate foreign relations with Washington and regional partners.

Though her coalition holds a slim majority, analysts warn her government could face instability amid divisions and controversy over her revisionist views on Japan’s wartime past.