Sanae Takaichi was voted in as the 104th prime minister of Japan on Oct. 21, becoming the first woman selected for the nation’s highest post. 

Takaichi, 64, will form a new Cabinet in the evening. 

At the extraordinary Diet session that convened on Oct. 21, Takaichi received 237 out of the 465 votes cast in the Lower House and 123 out of 246 in the Upper House in the first round. 

But because Takaichi did not win a majority in the Upper House, a runoff was held in that chamber against Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

She won 125 of the 246 votes in the runoff to secure her victory. Noda received 46 votes, while 47 were invalid and 28 were left blank. 

Takaichi was elected president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Oct. 4, replacing Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned midway through his term to take responsibility for the party’s two consecutive defeats in national elections. 

The losses pushed the LDP into the minority in both the Lower House and the Upper House. 

Takaichi will also lead a minority government but with a different partner. 

Komeito withdrew from the LDP-led coalition over the ruling party’s reluctance to tighten regulations on political donations. 

Opposition Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) on Oct. 20 formally agreed to create a coalition with the LDP, which essentially cemented Takaichi’s victory in the Diet vote for prime minister. 

FIRST GENTLEMAN 

Takaichi’s win also marks the arrival of the country’s first-ever “first gentleman.” 

Following Takaichi’s appointment, her husband, former Lower House member Taku Yamamoto, 73, gave a joint phone interview with the media. 

“I’m relieved that she was officially nominated today in both houses of the Diet,” he said. “The most important thing is to present concrete policies on issues that matter to the public, such as economic measures, and deliver results.”

Takaichi and Yamamoto married in 2004. They later divorced due to “differences in political stance” but remarried in 2021. 

Regarding his new role as “first gentleman,” Yamamoto said, “I don’t really feel it.” 

But he added, “I want to support her firmly as a ‘stealth husband’ so that my presence doesn’t become an obstacle to the image of the prime minister she aspired to be.” 

ISHIBA’S FAREWELL MESSAGE 

Takaichi succeeds Ishiba, whose Cabinet resigned en masse on the morning of Oct. 21.

Ishiba, who took office on Oct. 1 last year, served for 386 days as prime minister, the 24th longest tenure among postwar leaders.

Upon his Cabinet’s resignation, Ishiba issued a statement that read: “In the difficult circumstances of being a minority ruling party, I have done my utmost with the intention of sincerely and respectfully engaging with each party and parliamentary group, and of speaking earnestly to you, the sovereign citizens of this nation.” 

Ishiba left the prime minister’s office shortly after noon, receiving applause from around 100 staff members.

After receiving a bouquet, he expressed his gratitude, saying: “Almost all bills, treaties and budgets were properly finalized, and the Diet never came to a halt. In both domestic and foreign affairs, we were able to properly lay out the necessary paths forward, and that was truly thanks to all of you.” 

Regarding the incoming Takaichi administration, he said: “Rather than division and confrontation, I hope it will be a government of solidarity and tolerance, one that speaks humbly, sincerely and earnestly to each and every citizen, who are the sovereigns of this nation.

“I want it to be that kind of administration, and I want to do my part to help make that happen.”

OPPOSITION PARTY REACTIONS 

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, spoke to reporters following Takaichi’s selection as prime minister and offered his congratulations. 

He went on to express his expectations for economic policies and measures to combat rising prices, saying: “I hope she will take bold action to break through the stagnation in Japan’s economy. On that point, I intend to cooperate fully.” 

Tetsuo Saito, leader of Komeito, said, “I wholeheartedly celebrate the birth of Japan’s first female prime minister.” 

He added, “Although Komeito will now be in the opposition camp, we intend to engage in robust debate with the new prime minister to monitor the government and help realize policies.”

Sohei Kamiya, leader of Sanseito, revealed to reporters that he voted for himself in the Diet election, including the runoff vote in the Upper House.

Sanseito is known for its strong conservative stances on such issues as surnames for married couples, imperial succession, anti-espionage legislation and foreigners in Japan.

“Among the candidates, Takaichi’s policies are closest to ours,” Kamiya said. “If she can address these matters properly, I have high hopes.” 

Tomoko Tamura, chair of the Japanese Communist Party, has already criticized the new administration.

She said it has “shelved everything,” including a reduction in the consumption tax rate, a full investigation into the LDP’s political funding scandal, and a ban on corporate and organizational donations. 

“There’s no doubt there will be a head-on confrontation,” Tamura said. “I intend to fight so that this will be the last LDP-led administration.”