Japan has elected its first woman prime minister after Sanae Takaichi, a social conservative, forged an 11th-hour coalition deal. The 64-year-old “admirer of “Margaret Thatcher” secured a majority in the lower house before the upper house confirmed her appointment in a runoff vote on Tuesday.
Takaichi—Japan’s fifth premier in as many years—will lead a minority government facing economic pressures and a scheduled visit by U.S. president Donald Trump next week. Standing in parliament, she “bowed several times to lawmakers” before her formal appointment by the emperor later in the day.
The former heavy metal drummer became head of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party on October 4th, but her coalition was thrown into turmoil when the Komeito party withdrew. On Monday evening, Takaichi formed a new alliance with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, which advocates lowering the consumption tax on food to zero and reducing the number of MPs.
Takaichi has pledged to
make Japan’s economy stronger and reshape Japan as a country that can be responsible for future generations.
Known for her tough stance on China, she is expected to strengthen national defense, prioritize economic security, and tighten immigration rules. One of her first measures may include legislation limiting property ownership by foreigners.
“She’s a strong-minded person, regardless of being a woman,” said 76-year-old Toru Takahashi in her hometown of Nara.
