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Sanae Takaichi Elected Prime Minister, Becoming Japan’s First Woman Leader

Backed by a new pact with Nippon Ishin plus several independents, she secured the Diet vote, with cabinet picks due today.

Overview

  • Parliament elected Takaichi as Japan’s 104th prime minister, with 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house confirming her win.
  • The Liberal Democratic Party regained a working majority through an agreement with Nippon Ishin and support from a handful of lawmakers after Komeito quit the coalition over finance scandals.
  • Outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s cabinet resigned earlier in the day ahead of the vote, clearing the way for the transition.
  • Takaichi is set to form a cabinet today; Japanese media report Toshimitsu Motegi is likely to be foreign minister and Shinjiro Koizumi defense minister.
  • Coverage highlights her conservative agenda, including higher defense spending, a review of security strategy and Article 9 revision efforts, plus proposed energy subsidies and fuel‑tax relief.