Overview
- Parliament voted on Oct. 21 to select Liberal Democratic Party leader Sanae Takaichi, 64, as prime minister, with her cabinet to be formed the same day.
- Takaichi’s win followed a support agreement with the Japan Innovation Party and backing from several independents after the opposition failed to unite behind a single candidate.
- The outgoing government of Shigeru Ishiba resigned en masse ahead of the Diet vote as part of the transition.
- The LDP–Ishin arrangement does not control the Upper House, meaning Takaichi will need cooperation from other parties to pass budgets and legislation.
- Ishin leader Hirofumi Yoshimura indicated his party will not take cabinet posts for now and will play an advisory role.