Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister on Tuesday, shattering the political glass ceiling and setting the country up for a decisive turn to the right.

An acolyte of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and an admirer of Britain's Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is expected to return to Abe-style government stimulus as she attempts to jumpstart an economy saddled with slow growth and rising prices. Her victory marks a pivotal moment for a country where men still hold overwhelming sway.

But she is also likely to usher in a sharp move to the right on issues such as immigration and defence, making her the latest leader in tune with the broader rightward shift in global politics. She received 237 votes in the election in parliament's 465-seat lower house

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