Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative who admires Margaret Thatcher, is expected to become Japan's first woman prime minister Tuesday, but analysts say her rise does not necessarily signal a feminist victory.

Instead, the 64-year-old, who won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership this month, has positioned herself as a hardliner focused on defence and economic security.

After forging a last-minute coalition deal, Takaichi is highly likely to be confirmed by parliament on Tuesday as the country's first woman head of government and Japan's fifth leader in as many years.

Voters have been deserting the long-dominant LDP in droves because of inflation and a recent slush fund scandal, while the anti-immigration Sanseito party has been gaining ground.

In an effort to claw them

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