Leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Sanae Takaichi waits in a line with other lawmakers ahead of casting her vote to elect the new prime minister, at the Lower House of Parliament in Tokyo, Japan October 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Sanae Takaichi walks back to her seat during a session to elect the new prime minister, at the Lower House of Parliament in Tokyo, Japan October 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

TOKYO (Reuters) -Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, won the lower house vote to choose the next prime minister on Tuesday, clearing the way for her inauguration as the country's first female premier later in the day.

Takaichi received 237 votes, topping the majority of the 465-seat chamber, according to a lower house staff.

She will likely be approved by the less-powerful upper house as well and sworn in as Japan's 104th prime minister this evening to succeed the incumbent Shigeru Ishiba, who last month announced his resignation to take responsibility for election losses.

(Reporting by Mariko Katsumura and Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)