Tokyo: The parliament of Japan has elected ultraconservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female Prime Minister. Takaichi, 64, succeeds Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down with his Cabinet following the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) crushing defeat in the July election. The vote ended a three-month political deadlock that left Japan without firm leadership.
Takaichi secured 237 votes, four more than the required majority, defeating Yoshiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party.
Coalition with Right-Wing Partner
Her election was made possible through a last-minute coalition between the LDP and the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai). The deal followed the LDP’s breakup with its longtime centrist ally, Komeito, which withdrew over policy differences and corruption scandals.
Despite the alliance, the new bloc still falls short of a majority in both houses of parliament. Analysts warn that Takaichi’s government could face difficulties in passing key bills, potentially making her administration fragile and short-lived.
LDP Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki said that the new government’s top priority would be to address rising prices and strengthen the economy.
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📢高市早苗総裁が第104代内閣総理大臣に指名
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10月21日に召集された臨時国会において、高市早苗総裁が第104代内閣総理大臣に指名されました。
高市総理は、内閣制度140年の歴史の中で初の女性総理となります。… pic.twitter.com/KnaNjsuMM2— 自民党広報 (@jimin_koho) October 21, 2025
Cabinet and Policy Outlook
Later on Tuesday, Takaichi was set to unveil a Cabinet dominated by allies of veteran powerbroker Taro Aso and other party heavyweights who backed her leadership bid. Members of Ishin no Kai will not take ministerial roles immediately, according to its leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, who said his party would first assess the stability of the coalition.
Takaichi faces immediate pressure to deliver results. She must outline her policy agenda in a major address later this week, hold talks with US President Donald Trump, and attend a series of regional summits.
While Takaichi’s rise marks a breakthrough for women in Japanese politics, she has shown little inclination to advance gender equality or social reforms. She opposes same-sex marriage, separate surnames for married couples, and supports maintaining the male-only imperial succession.
🎥第104代内閣総理大臣指名の瞬間(衆議院本会議) pic.twitter.com/XZ1IwsE1go
— 自民党広報 (@jimin_koho) October 21, 2025
Mentored by late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to pursue many of his key priorities including enhancing Japan’s military, revitalizing the economy, and seeking constitutional revision to expand the role of the Self-Defense Forces.
A veteran politician first elected to parliament in 1993, Takaichi has held senior roles in government, including as minister for internal affairs and economic security.
