Her ascension to the premiership is a historic feat in a country that has ranked low in female political representation. With that achievement out of the way, Takaichi will now face a range of challenges that include persistent inflation, a tense security environment and simmering domestic political instability.
Sanae Takaichi won the lower house of parliament vote to become Japan’s prime minister on Tuesday, effectively making her the first woman to clinch the nation’s top leadership job.
She secured 237 votes in the more powerful chamber, bringing her four votes above the majority line needed to confirm her victory.
