Japan's parliament elected Sanae Takaichi as the country's first female prime minister, elevating an ultraconservative LDP leader after the party allied with a right-wing populist group. At 64, she backs tougher immigration rules, hawkish China policy and a revisionist stance on WWII, while presenting herself as a successor to Shinzo Abe's conservative legacy. She loves heavy metal and motorcycles yet supports traditional gender roles, opposes same-sex marriage and favors male-only succession. Despite promising Nordic-level female representation, she named only two women to her cabinet. Takaichi signaled warmth toward President Trump and a stronger alliance ahead of an expected meeting.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.