Japan’s parliament elected ultraconservative leader Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first-ever female prime minister, marking a historic yet divisive moment in national politics.
Her rise to power comes a day after her weakened party secured a coalition deal with a new ally expected to push the government further to the right.
Takaichi, a long-time member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), succeeds Shigeru Ishiba, whose resignation earlier in the day ended three months of political stalemate following the LDP’s crushing defeat in July’s election. Ishiba’s one-year tenure ended amid plunging approval ratings and internal party rifts.
During Tuesday’s parliamentary vote, Takaichi received 237 votes, narrowly crossing the majority mark and defeating Yoshiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who secured 149 votes.
Her victory was largely ensured by the LDP’s surprise coalition with the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai) – a move seen by analysts as a calculated attempt to consolidate the conservative vote.
However, despite the new alliance, the ruling bloc still lacks an outright majority in both chambers of parliament.
Political observers warn that the fragile coalition could face difficulties pushing through key bills, raising questions about the stability and longevity of Takaichi’s administration.
Takaichi’s leadership marks a symbolic breakthrough for Japan’s political landscape, but her hardline nationalist stance and emphasis on traditional values suggest her term could deepen ideological divides both within parliament and across the nation.
