Japan’s parliament on Tuesday elected Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister, making her the first woman to lead the country in modern history.
Takaichi, 64, secured victory in the lower house with 237 votes against 149 for opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda.
She was later confirmed by the upper house after a second-round vote, following a narrow miss in the initial ballot.
Her election follows her recent emergence as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed Japan almost continuously since World War II.
Takaichi, a veteran politician and former minister of internal affairs and economic security, is known for her conservative stance on national security and constitutional reform. She is a close ally of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The LDP’s coalition was weakened by the exit of its centrist partner, Komeito, prompting a new alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (Ishin). Despite the deal, the LDP remains short of a majority in both houses.
Political analysts say Takaichi faces significant challenges, including economic recovery, public discontent over corruption scandals, and rising living costs.
She is expected to host U.S. President Donald Trump next week during his Asia tour, which includes visits to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.
Takaichi’s appointment is seen as a milestone for gender representation in Japanese politics, where women remain underrepresented.
