Japan’s lawmakers have chosen the staunchly conservative Sanae Takaichi to lead as the nation’s inaugural female prime minister.
This decision follows her party’s recent pact with a fresh ally, poised to steer the ruling group even more conservatively.
Takaichi represents the fourth head of government Japan has seen in just five years.
Her triumph is especially notable as it’s her third bid for the top job, according to BBC News.
She’s swiftly earning the moniker of Japan’s ‘Iron Lady,’ inspired by her respect for ex-UK leader Margaret Thatcher.
Before entering the political arena, Takaichi rocked out as a heavy metal drummer.
As reported by the BBC, she gained notoriety for packing extra drumsticks, frequently snapping them during her vigorous performances.
She additionally enjoyed a short career hosting on television.
Though Takaichi remains passionate about heavy metal, her sticks will stay stowed for now amid pressing timelines.
She’s gearing up for a key policy address this week, discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, and area meetings.
Moreover, she must swiftly confront soaring costs and craft stimulus plans by December’s end to ease citizen discontent.
Takaichi succeeds Shigeru Ishiba, the prior Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) chief who stepped down in September after poor midterm outcomes.
The previous year saw the LDP forfeit its lower house dominance, fueled by public outrage over party scandals, price hikes, and living expenses.
Consequently, Ishiba lasted merely a year, and Takaichi aims for greater longevity.
In the lower house ballot, she secured 237 votes—a narrow edge—against 149 for Yoshihiko Noda of the main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.
The LDP’s tie-up with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party from Osaka, known as Ishin no Kai, clinched her role since rivals lack cohesion.
Yet this fresh partnership falls shy of majorities in parliament’s chambers, requiring outreach to other foes for bill passage, complicating her path.
At the Monday pact-signing with JIP head and Osaka’s governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, Takaichi stressed, “Political stability is essential right now.”
She added, “Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”
The duo inked a deal centered on shared nationalist agendas.