Overview
- Takaichi won the Lower House ballot with 237 of 465 votes, clearing the way for her to take office.
- The LDP signed a coalition accord with Ishin, under which Ishin will support legislation but initially forgo cabinet posts.
- The arrangement leaves the government short of a standalone majority, so passing key bills such as a supplementary budget will require additional votes.
- To secure Ishin’s backing, the deal includes cutting Diet seats by about 10%, suspending the consumption tax on food, and ending corporate and group political donations by 2027.
- Analysts expect a rightward policy tilt under Takaichi, including efforts toward constitutional revision, higher defense spending, and tighter immigration rules.