News|ElectionsJapan’s parliament confirms hardliner Takaichi as country’s first female PMAppointment clinched via a last-minute coalition deal, but government remains without a majority, leaving the risk of instability.
On Tue, Oct 20, 2025, Japan's parliament elected Sanae Takaichi as the nation's first female prime minister. Takaichi, a former protege of the late Shinzo Abe, was confirmed with 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house of parliament.
On Tue, Oct 20, 2025, Japan's parliament elected Sanae Takaichi as the nation's first female prime minister. Takaichi, a former protege of the late Shinzo Abe, was confirmed with 237 votes in the 465-seat lower house of parliament.
The election victory followed a coalition agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), also known as Ishin, on Mon. Despite this agreement, the government remains two seats short of a majority, indicating potential instability.
Takaichi succeeds Shigeru Ishiba, concluding a three-month period of political uncertainty following the LDP’s poor performance in the elections held in Jul. Her appointment represents a significant shift in Japan's political landscape, traditionally dominated by male leaders.
Takaichi's administration is anticipated to adopt a conservative stance on immigration and social policies. She has consistently opposed measures promoting gender equality, supports the male-only imperial succession, and opposes same-sex marriage and separate surnames for married couples.
On Tue, Oct 20, 2025, Japan's parliament elected Sanae Takaichi as the nation's first female prime minister.
The LDP's previous coalition with the Komeito party, which holds a centrist and pacifist stance, was dissolved over concerns about corruption within the LDP.
JIP leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura stated that JIP will refrain from taking ministerial positions until the partnership with the LDP is deemed stable.
Japan is currently facing inflationary pressures, a shift from years of deflation, leading to public discontent and increasing support for opposition parties. Takaichi is expected to pursue government spending initiatives, reminiscent of Abe's economic policies, to stimulate the economy. This has influenced market activities, notably raising the Nikkei share average to new heights. However, there are concerns about the financial sustainability of increased government spending given Japan's significant debt.
After securing approval from the upper house, Takaichi is set to be inaugurated as Japan's 104th prime minister. She faces an imminent deadline to deliver a key policy speech, engage in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, and participate in regional summits.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.