Overview
- Lawmakers elected Takaichi in both chambers on Oct. 21, with a 237–149 lower-house vote and a 125–46 upper-house tally, elevating the LDP leader to succeed Shigeru Ishiba.
- Takaichi’s government relies on a pact with the Japan Innovation Party, which took no cabinet posts and offers issue-by-issue support, leaving the administration vulnerable in passing legislation.
- She unveiled a 19-member cabinet drawn from the LDP that includes two women, naming Satsuki Katayama as Japan’s first female finance minister and Kimi Onoda as economic security minister.
- Her agenda pairs Abenomics-style fiscal expansion to ease living costs with a right-leaning push on defense strengthening, constitutional and security debates, and tighter immigration rules.
- Early diplomatic tests loom as President Trump visits Japan Oct. 27–29 before APEC, Beijing voices concern over her hawkish record and Taiwan stance, Seoul signals cautious engagement, and European leaders offer congratulations.