Japan elects first woman as prime minister in historic vote

Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that Takaichi was elected as Japan’s next prime minister by the House of Representatives, though she must still be confirmed by the upper house, the House of Councillors. She is the first woman in Japan’s history to assume the office of prime minister.

Takaichi secured 237 out of 465 possible votes, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba. Despite the historic nature of her election, the ruling coalition lacks a majority in the upper house — a factor that could undermine her government’s stability.

Her appointment ends three months of political deadlock following the Liberal Democratic Party’s heavy defeat in the July elections. Ishiba, who had served as prime minister for just one year, resigned earlier today along with his cabinet, paving the way for his successor’s selection.

The new prime minister faces immediate economic and diplomatic challenges in the coming weeks — including delivering a major policy address, meeting U.S. President Donald Trump, and attending several regional summits. She is expected to unveil an economic package by the end of December aimed at tackling inflation and rising public discontent.

Although Takaichi is Japan’s first female prime minister, she has shown little interest in advancing gender equality or social diversity.

She has long opposed legislation designed to promote women’s representation and supports maintaining an all-male line of succession to the imperial throne, as well as rejecting the use of separate surnames for married women.

According to Politico, Takaichi is considered a close protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and is expected to continue his policies of strengthening Japan’s military, boosting economic growth, and seeking revisions to the country’s pacifist constitution.

However, given her fragile political position, it remains unclear how far she will be able to advance her agenda.