Sanae Takaichi is expected to become Japan's first woman Prime Minister following the formation of a new coalition government. On Monday, Ms. Takaichi, 64, finalized an alliance with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP). This new alliance was formed after the Komeito party departed from a previous coalition, citing discomfort with Ms. Takaichi's conservative views and an LDP slush fund scandal. Having won the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on October 4, Ms. Takaichi is set to succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and lead a minority government. This development occurs in a political landscape where Japan's gender equality ranking is 118 out of 148 countries in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, with women comprising approximately 15% of lower house MPs. Former minister Satsuki Katayama is reportedly among potential appointments, including Japan's first woman finance minister. Challenges for Ms. Takaichi's administration include addressing population decline and stimulating the nation's economy.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/sanae-takaichi-seals-last-minute-deal-forms-new-coalition-on-track-to-become-japans-first-woman-prime-minister-11761011946523.html