Japan’s parliament elected Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister, a historic event in Japanese politics. The conservative leader promised to strengthen national defence and deepen the Japan-US alliance ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit next week.

Takaichi replaced outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered major electoral losses. Her emergence followed a coalition agreement between the LDP and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, which resulted in a weak governing alliance that lacked a majority in both parliamentary houses.

Takaichi swore in her inaugural speech as prime minister to strengthen Japan’s economic resilience and preserve diplomatic balance in the face of regional concerns with China and North Korea. She is expected to pursue Shinzo Abe’s policy of increased defence and economic reforms.

Despite breaking Japan’s gender barrier, Takaichi’s conservative attitudes, which oppose same-sex marriage and female imperial succession, have sparked criticism from equality activists. However, many individuals regard her election as a historical turning point in the history of women’s politics.

Global leaders, including South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, China’s Foreign Ministry, and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated her and expressed their hopes for stable collaboration and continuing partnership with Japan.