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6h ago

Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister After Lower-House Vote

A late pact with Ishin secured her elevation without delivering an outright lower-house majority.

Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), attends a press conference after the LDP presidential election in Tokyo on October 4, 2025. Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool via REUTERS
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Overview

  • Sanae Takaichi won 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house and was appointed premier, with formalities including an audience with the Emperor expected later on Tuesday.
  • The Liberal Democratic Party signed a cooperation agreement with the Japan Innovation Party that yields about 231 seats, leaving the bloc two short of a majority.
  • Komeito’s exit from its 26-year partnership with the LDP followed disputes over tighter funding rules after a slush fund scandal and concern about Takaichi’s hardline positions.
  • Tokyo stocks climbed to record highs and the yen weakened as investors anticipated fiscal stimulus, tax cuts and business-friendly policies under the new government.
  • The LDP–Ishin pact includes proposals to cut roughly 10% of lower-house lawmakers, abolish a provisional gasoline tax and promote Osaka as a secondary capital.