Share :

Download PDF :

Reuters (20 October 2025)

Tim Kelly and Rocky Swift

Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi is almost certain to become Japan's first female prime minister on Tuesday, after the right-wing opposition Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, agreed to back her premiership.

The partnership, with a combined 231 seats in parliament's dominant lower house, falls two short of a majority, but the tally is almost certainly enough for Takaichi to win Tuesday's parliament vote for the next prime minister.

"I very much look forward to working together ... in an endeavour to strengthen Japan's economy and transform the country," Takaichi said.

Click for more