On Tuesday, Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister, winning parliamentary support after a long day of voting.
In the Lower House, she secured 237 votes, thereby avoiding a runoff. The Upper House race was closer, with Takaichi prevailing in a second round after falling just short of a majority in the first.
Her victory followed the formation of a coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, which gave her the support needed to overcome a united opposition.
Soon after her election, Takaichi began forming what she called a Cabinet of “resolve and progress,” choosing allies and rivals alike to balance experience and party unity.
The photographs in this gallery document the pivotal moments of the day: Takaichi casting her ballot, walking the halls of the Diet, and accepting the applause that marked a historic first in Japanese politics.
After years in Cabinet posts and three attempts at party leadership, Takaichi’s rise reflects persistence, timing and political skill. Her first day in office signaled not only a new administration but also a shift in Japan’s political landscape.
Outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba flanked by ministers Gen Nakatani (left) and Yoshimasa Hayashi, who all resigned in the morning ahead of the vote to elect a new prime minister.
| JOHAN BROOKS
Takaichi and fellow LDP lawmakers observe the voting in the Lower House on Tuesday.
| JOHAN BROOKS
Former farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, a former frontrunner in the LDP leadership race who was appointed defense minister later in the day, lines up to vote.
| JOHAN BROOKS
Takaichi lines up to vote in the parliament’s Lower House.
| JOHAN BROOKS
Takaichi approaches the voting box on Tuesday aftenoon.
| JOHAN BROOKS
Takaichi bows after being elected Japan’s next prime minister in the more powerful Lower House.
| JOHAN BROOKS
Takaichi and her entourage
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Takaichi makes her way through the Diet Building.
| JOHAN BROOK
Takaichi holds her first news conference as prime minister.
| JOHAN BROOKS
Takaichi said that while her government faces “a difficult start,” she will face the challenges head on.
| JOHAN BROOKS
Takaichi prepares for a photo shoot with her newly formed Cabinet.
| JOHAN BROOKS
The last business of the day: a group shot of Takaichi’s newly appointed Cabinet.
| JOHAN BROOKS
Takaichi is seen in a room at the Prime Minister’s Office after a group shot with her new Cabinet ministers.
| JOHAN BROOKS
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