Sanae Takaichi Poised to Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister After Coalition Deal
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the opposition Japan Innovation Party (JIP) signed an agreement on Monday to form a coalition, setting the stage for newly elected LDP leader Sanae Takaichi to become the country’s first female prime minister. The deal was formalized by Takaichi and JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, virtually guaranteeing her victory in Tuesday’s parliamentary vote.
In her remarks following the signing, Takaichi described the coalition with the JIP as a “big step” toward ensuring Japan’s political stability, according to Kyodo News. The 64-year-old conservative, who earlier this month became the first woman to lead the LDP, faced an early challenge when the party’s long-time ally, Komeito, ended their 26-year partnership. With 196 LDP lawmakers backing her and the JIP’s 35 votes adding crucial support, Takaichi now stands at 231 votes—just short of the 233 needed for a lower house majority.
If confirmed, Takaichi will lead a minority government with outside backing from the JIP, which has presented a 12-point list of policy demands, including reducing the number of parliamentary seats by 10%. Despite the fragmented opposition, analysts consider her election nearly certain, given the LDP’s dominance over Japan’s postwar political landscape. The next general elections are scheduled for October 2027, unless the new coalition opts for an early vote.
