Tokyo: Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan’s first female prime minister after the right-wing opposition Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) agreed to support her bid. Ishin co-leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura confirmed the alliance, stating, “I told Takaichi that we should move forward together,” with formal coalition discussions scheduled for Monday evening.

The coalition, combining the LDP’s 196 seats with Ishin’s 35, delivers 231 seats in the lower house, two short of an outright majority. Analysts expect this to secure Takaichi a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, where she only requires a simple majority of ballots cast to assume office. The alliance comes after Komeito abruptly ended its 26-year partnership with the LDP following Takaichi’s selection

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