Sanae Takaichi on track to become Japan’s first female prime minister after reportedly agreeing to new coalition

<p>Officials confirm media reports that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic party will join forces with rightwing Nippon Ishin</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2025/oct/13/could-japan-get-its-own-thatcher-this-week-full-story-podcast">Sanae Takaichi</a> has moved a step closer to becoming Japan’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/04/sanae-takaichi-the-new-leader-of-japans-liberal-democratic-party-who-cites-thatcher-as-an-influence">first female prime minister</a>, after her party reportedly agreed to form a new coalition with a minor party.</p><p>Officials on Monday confirmed media reports that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic party (LDP) would join forces with the rightwing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/01/japan-election-rightwing-populists-sweep-vote-in-osaka">Nippon Ishin</a> (Japan Innovation party), which shares her hawkish stance on China and opposition to mass migration.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/20/sanae-takaichi-likely-become-japan-first-female-prime-minister">Continue reading...</a>