Japan has officially entered a new political era as Sanae Takaichi, the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been elected as the country’s first female prime minister. The historic vote took place on Tuesday, when the lower house of parliament confirmed her appointment with 237 votes, surpassing the required majority of 233.
A Historic First for Japan and the G7
With her election, Takaichi becomes Japan’s 104th prime minister, marking the first time in history that a woman has assumed the nation’s highest political office. Her victory was made possible through a coalition between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party, which together secured a comfortable majority in the 465-seat lower chamber.
The vote followed the formal resignation of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his entire cabinet, clearing the way for a smooth transition of power.
A Leadership Change Amid Political Instability
Takaichi’s rise comes after a period of political turbulence that has shaken Japan’s ruling establishment. Her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, stepped down after facing mounting internal criticism following consecutive election defeats for the LDP-led coalition.
Over the past five years, Japan has witnessed four prime ministerial resignations, including those of Shinzo Abe, Yoshihide Suga, Fumio Kishida, and Shigeru Ishiba. Takaichi’s appointment aims to bring stability and renewed confidence to Japan’s political leadership.
Next Steps: Approval from the Upper House
Although the lower house vote has confirmed her leadership, Takaichi must still secure approval from the upper house of parliament to fully consolidate her government. Once confirmed, she is expected to unveil her policy priorities, focusing on economic reform, national security, and advancing gender equality in Japan’s political landscape.
Takaichi’s election is seen as a milestone for gender representation in Japanese politics and a symbolic breakthrough for one of the world’s largest economies within the G7 alliance.
