Pictures courtesy of Japan Times

 

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Sanae Takaichi made history, after being elected Japan’s first female prime minister on 21 October, marking a significant breakthrough in the country’s political landscape. Takaichi won the parliamentary vote comfortably, avoiding a runoff by securing 237 votes in the Lower House, defeating Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) leader Yoshihiko Noda, who received 149. Lawmakers applauded as she cast her vote and again as her victory was confirmed.

 

Her election followed the earlier coalition agreement between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), which effectively ensured her success by providing enough parliamentary backing to block a united opposition challenge. Together, the LDP’s 196 seats and the JIP’s 35 gave the coalition 231 seats, just two short of the 233 needed for a Lower House majority in the 465-seat chamber. The partnership also strengthened Takaichi’s position as she moved quickly to shape her new administration.

 

Takaichi, a veteran politician with almost 30 years in the Lower House, had served as both economic security minister and internal affairs minister in previous governments. Her leadership victory earlier this month came on her third attempt to lead the LDP. Early reports indicate that key figures from the recent LDP presidential race, including Yoshimasa Hayashi, Shinjiro Koizumi, and former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, could hold senior Cabinet positions in her government.

 

Hayashi, who previously served as the government’s top spokesman, and Koizumi, who was the farm minister, resigned from outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet, paving the way for Takaichi’s new team. Although the JIP supported the coalition, no JIP lawmakers are expected to join the Cabinet. However, JIP parliamentary affairs chief Takashi Endo, one of the main architects of the coalition deal, is expected to be appointed as an adviser to the prime minister.

 

During her LDP leadership campaign, Takaichi pledged to bring more women into positions of influence within government, hinting that female lawmakers would feature prominently in her administration. Her appointment is seen as a milestone in Japan’s male-dominated political sphere, though attention now turns to how her leadership will shape the country’s domestic and international policies.

 

The majority in the 465-seat Lower House is 233; the Liberal Democratic Party holds 196 seats and the Japan Innovation Party 35, for a combined total of 231

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan’s first female prime minister on 21 October 2025.

• Her victory followed a coalition agreement between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party.

• Takaichi is forming a new Cabinet expected to include several senior LDP figures.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Japantimes 2025-10-21

 

 

 

 

Good luck to Japan.