Japan’s Parliament Elects Sanae Takaichi as Next Prime Minister

Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned with his Cabinet earlier in the day.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Sanae Takaichi stands up to acknowledge the applause after she was selected as Japan's new prime minister during an extraordinary session of the lower house of parliament in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025. Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images

Japan’s parliament on Oct. 21 elected Sanae Takaichi, head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), as the new prime minister, becoming the first woman in the country to assume the role.

The vote came just a day after the LDP reached a coalition deal with the Japan Innovation Party, securing Takaichi the backing needed to overcome opposition rivals.