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Diet Elects Sanae Takaichi as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister After Last-Minute Ishin Pact

Without majorities in either chamber, her agenda depends on opposition votes.

Overview

  • Takaichi won the Lower House vote with 237 of 465 ballots and then prevailed in an Upper House runoff to secure confirmation.
  • The Liberal Democratic Party turned to Nippon Ishin for support after Komeito quit a 26-year coalition, enabling her election but not a governing majority.
  • She acknowledged the LDP–Ishin bloc lacks control in both chambers and said she will seek cooperation to move legislation.
  • Her first cabinet includes only two women, with Satsuki Katayama appointed finance minister and Kimi Onoda named economic security minister.
  • An Abe-aligned conservative, she is expected to push constitutional revision and stronger defense while prioritizing relief from rising prices ahead of a scheduled visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.