Sanae Takaichi Poised to Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister as Diet Vote Nears

Japan’s Diet is expected to elect Sanae Takaichi as the country’s next prime minister on Tuesday, October 21, marking a historic moment as she becomes Japan’s first female premier. The vote follows her victory in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race earlier this month and the formation of a coalition deal with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), ensuring she has a parliamentary majority needed to secure the position.

Takaichi, a staunch conservative known for her hardline stances on defense and traditional values, is expected to focus on economic stimulus, national security, and social conservatism. Her ascension follows the resignation of Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down amid waning support and internal party strife.

The Diet session will formally confirm her leadership, after which she is expected to announce her cabinet lineup, likely blending conservatives with moderate LDP members to maintain stability. Takaichi’s appointment signals a rightward shift in Japan’s politics, as well as an attempt to reinvigorate the ruling party’s image following electoral setbacks earlier in the year.

Analysts anticipate smoother coalition cooperation under her leadership, while market observers note that her pro-growth and nationalist policies have already boosted investor confidence, with Tokyo’s stock market seeing notable gains ahead of the vote.