Overview
- Takaichi secured 237 of 465 votes in the lower house and prevailed after a second ballot in the upper house, following the en bloc resignation of Shigeru Ishiba’s cabinet.
- The Liberal Democratic Party turned to the right‑leaning Ishin party after longtime ally Komeito withdrew, but the new alignment lacks clear control of both chambers.
- Cabinet formation is underway, with media reports pointing to possible picks such as Satsuki Katayama for finance, though appointments have not been formally confirmed.
- A protégé of Shinzo Abe, Takaichi backs revising the pacifist constitution, expanding defense and pursuing fiscal stimulus, positions that have drawn domestic and regional scrutiny.
- Markets and foreign capitals are watching early moves as an expected visit by U.S. President Donald Trump looms and the government faces economic and demographic strains.