Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s New Prime Minister

Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming the first woman to be elected as Japan’s Prime Minister. Her victory in the parliamentary vote marks a significant step in a nation traditionally low in female political representation.

Election and Parliamentary Support

• Sanae Takaichi secured 237 votes in the more powerful lower house, surpassing the majority line by four votes.
• Unaligned lawmakers, like Tadashi Morishima, seemed to support her leadership bid.
• She also succeeded in a run-off vote in the upper house.

Challenges Ahead

As Prime Minister, Takaichi faces several challenges:

• Persistent inflation.
• A tense security environment.
• Simmering domestic political instability.

Cabinet Formation

One of Takaichi's first tasks was to form a cabinet aimed at unifying the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP):

• Shinjiro Koizumi appointed as Defence Minister.
• Toshimitsu Motegi appointed as Foreign Minister.
• Satsuki Katayama became the nation’s first female Finance Minister, currently studying a proposal to reduce the sales tax on food to zero.

Diplomatic Engagements

In the upcoming days, Takaichi will focus on international relations, including preparing for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit next week.

Political Alliances

• The departure of Komeito from the coalition was followed by a new alliance with the Japan Innovation Party.
• Despite Ishin’s support, the coalition remains two seats short of a majority in the lower house, which may impact the passage of budgets and bills.