Sanae Takaichi elected Japan’s first female prime minister

TOKYO,— Japan’s parliament on Tuesday elected Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister, following a coalition deal that could shift the government further to the right.

The move comes a day after her Liberal Democratic Party, or LDP, finalized an agreement with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, also known as Ishin no Kai.

Takaichi, 64, replaces Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned earlier in the day with his Cabinet after only one year in office. His departure ends three months of political uncertainty after the LDP suffered a heavy defeat in the July elections.

In the vote held in the lower house, which selects Japan’s leader, Takaichi secured 237 votes, surpassing the majority threshold by four. Her opponent, Yoshiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, received 149 votes.

After the results were read, Takaichi bowed deeply to lawmakers.

The LDP’s new alliance with the Osaka-based Ishin no Kai ensures control of the lower house but leaves the coalition short of a majority in both chambers.

Analysts say that could make it difficult for Takaichi to pass key legislation without backing from smaller opposition groups, potentially weakening her administration.

According to NHK public television, LDP Secretary General Shunichi Suzuki said the new government’s top priority will be addressing rising prices and stabilizing the economy.

He apologized to the public for the delays caused by the party’s internal disputes and said the coalition would seek cooperation with other parties “to meet the expectations of the people.”

The coalition agreement highlights policies reflecting Takaichi’s conservative and nationalistic positions. The pact was signed after the LDP’s breakup with its longtime centrist partner, the Komeito party, which is backed by a Buddhist organization and known for its moderate views.

The split ended one of the most durable political alliances in modern Japan and threatened to reduce the LDP’s dominance.

Takaichi is expected to announce her Cabinet lineup later Tuesday, with several key posts going to allies of veteran politician Taro Aso, who played a major role in securing her victory in the party’s leadership race.

The Japan Innovation Party will not immediately take ministerial positions while evaluating cooperation terms, party co-leader Hirofumi Yoshimura said.

The new prime minister faces immediate challenges. She must prepare an economic package before the end of the year, hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, and participate in regional summits.

Despite being Japan’s first female leader, Takaichi has not prioritized gender equality or diversity policies. She supports the imperial family’s male-only succession, opposes same-sex marriage, and rejects allowing married couples to use separate surnames.

A close ally of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has pledged to continue his approach of strengthening Japan’s military and revising the country’s pacifist constitution.

Her critics question whether she can secure enough political support to advance those goals.

Komeito’s decision to leave the coalition followed public anger over political funding scandals and what it called the LDP’s lack of accountability.

Party officials also cited Takaichi’s controversial visits to Yasukuni Shrine, seen by China and South Korea as symbols of Japan’s wartime aggression. On Friday, she avoided a direct visit and instead sent a religious offering to the shrine.

(With files from AP)