Sanae Takaichi seals coalition deal and is set to become Japan’s first woman prime minister. Read the coalition terms, policy priorities and political risks.
Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday sealed a last-minute coalition deal with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) and is on course to become Japan’s first female prime minister, ending a three-month leadership vacuum after the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) election setbacks. The agreement gives Takaichi enough backing to win the parliamentary vote, though the new LDP–Ishin bloc falls short of a comfortable majority in both houses — a factor that could produce legislative gridlock and force policy compromises.
A long-time LDP heavyweight and close ally of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi combines social conservatism with hawkish security views. The coalition pact includes Ishin’s priorities on political finance transparency and regional disaster planning while preserving the LDP’s push for stronger defence capabilities and constitutional revision. Observers note the alliance steers Japan further right on national security and could complicate relations with centrist coalition partners that left the governing bloc earlier.
Immediate challenges for the incoming prime minister include stabilizing the economy amid rising living costs, managing a fractious parliament, and preparing for high-profile diplomatic meetings already on the calendar. Analysts advise markets and foreign partners to watch how Takaichi handles fiscal policy, trade ties and defense posture — areas where the new administration’s agenda may face pushback or require negotiation with coalition partners. Use search terms such as “Sanae Takaichi coalition deal 2025,” “what Takaichi’s policies mean for Japan,” and “how Takaichi became Japan’s first female PM” to capture reader intent and high-value long-tail traffic.
