Japan's parliament on Tuesday elected Sanae Takaichi, an ultraconservative from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), as the country's first female prime minister in a landmark move that also marks a significant shift in Japanese politics to the right.
Her appointment was announced a day after her party reached a new coalition agreement with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai), a coalition partner from Osaka that is expected to strengthen the ruling bloc but has also raised concerns about long-term political stability.
Takaichi won 237 votes, just four more than the required majority, beating Yoshiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan who won 149 votes.
She replaces Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after just a year in office following the LDP's crushing defeat in a general election in July.
Ishiba's resignation ends a three-month political vacuum and paves the way for Japan's new leadership.
Takaichi's victory reflects a shift in Japanese politics towards conservatism, with a focus on nationalist and hawkish policies including immigration, security and military buildup.
Takaichi is seen as continuing Abe's legacy with a tougher economic and defense approach, as well as a desire to revise Japan's pacifist constitution.
However, Takaichi faces major challenges domestically, particularly in dealing with public anger over rising living costs and soaring inflation after a long period of deflation.
Sanae Takaichi's appointment is not just a symbol of the advancement of women in Japanese politics, but also reflects the country's ideological shift towards a more nationalistic and conservative direction.
