Takaichi elected Japan’s premier

Sanae Takaichi has been elected Japan’s first female prime minister by its parliament, with the country now expected to shift to the right under the hardline conservative leader.

After becoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president this month, she secured her place as prime minister after winning a vote by politicians on October 21.

Takaichi, pictured, won a clear majority in the Lower House with 237 votes against Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda’s 149.

The battle for the Upper House was tied in the first round before Takaichi prevailed in a runoff against Noda when she gained 125 out of 246 valid votes, reports the Japan Times.

The 64-year-old’s victory was all but certain after a coalition agreement between the LDP and Japan Innovation Party was formed on October 20 to fend off any potential challenge from the opposition parties.

Takaichi says her government faces “a difficult start” but she is “determined to deliver results for the nation, to build a strong Japan and to never give up”.

She announced her new cabinet hours after gaining power, labelling it one of “resolve and progress”.

Satsuki Katayama, the former regional revitalisation minister, becomes the first woman to be appointed finance minister, and Ryosei Akazawa, the minister in charge of tariff negotiations with the United States, has been promoted to the role of trade minister. 

Takaichi is Japan’s 104th prime minister and succeeds Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned in September. She and the LDP will face voters next in 2028.