Sanae Takaichi to become Japan's Prime Minister, elected LDP president; first woman to hold the position

TOKYO: For the first time in Japan's history, a woman is set to become prime minister. Far-right leader Sanae Takaichi (64) is close to becoming prime minister. Takaichi will take office if she wins the parliamentary vote on the 15th. Takaichi was chosen as the new president by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Takaichi, the only woman among the five candidates, defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in the final round to become the party's president. Sanae Takaichi is the LDP's first female president.

The party's former president and current prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, announced his resignation last month. This is why the LDP chose its new leader. The LDP's coalition is facing a challenge as it lacks a majority in parliament. However, Takaichi is confident that she will survive the vote, since the LDP is the largest single party in parliament.