Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Sanae Takaichi (C) walks before signing a policy agreement with Japan Innovation Party (JIP) leader Hirofumi Yoshimura at the Diet in Tokyo on Oct. 20, 2025. Japan’s ruling LDP and its junior partner signed a coalition deal on that day, paving the way for Takaichi to become the country’s first woman premier. Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP
Japan’s parliament on Oct. 21 elected Sanae Takaichi, head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), as the new prime minister, becoming the first woman in the country to assume the role.
The vote came just a day after the LDP reached a coalition deal with the Japan Innovation Party, securing Takaichi the backing needed to overcome opposition rivals.
