20.10.202504:19:34UTC+00Takaichi Gains Key Support Ahead of Japan’s Leadership Vote

Sanae Takaichi is on the verge of becoming Japan's first female Prime Minister, as reported by Reuters. This development follows the expression of support from the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin. Co-leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura stated, "I informed Takaichi that we should advance together," and mentioned plans to meet with her later on Monday to finalize their collaboration. This alliance between Takaichi's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Ishin will jointly hold 231 seats in the influential lower house—a figure just shy of an absolute majority but sufficient to ensure victory. The parliamentary vote to select Japan's next leader is scheduled for October 21. According to Japan's electoral rules, Takaichi only requires a majority of the votes in any runoff, effectively guaranteeing her election and marking a groundbreaking moment in Japanese political history.