In a historic turn of events, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female prime minister, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s political landscape. The 64-year-old leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured her position after a decisive victory in the Lower House elections, garnering 237 votes against her closest rival, Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who managed 149 votes. This was followed by a successful runoff in the Upper House, where she secured 125 votes, meeting the constitutional requirement for leadership. Takaichi’s ascension comes at a critical juncture for the LDP, which has faced consecutive electoral defeats, leading to a minority status in both houses of the Diet. To bolster her government, Takaichi has formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), whose 35 Lower House votes were pivotal in her election. The new coalition has pledged to focus on national revival and self-sustainability. As Takaichi prepares to assemble her cabinet, expectations are high for her to navigate Japan through both domestic and international challenges. Her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after 386 days in office, expressed gratitude for public support and urged continued backing for the new administration. Takaichi’s leadership is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to Japan’s governance, with her cabinet formation expected to reflect her commitment to innovation and resilience.