Sanae Takaichi on track to become Japan's first female prime minister after reportedly agreeing to new coalition

"Today we will sign the agreement to launch a coalition government."

"After giving it careful thought last night, I telephoned President Takaichi this morning to reach a coalition agreement. I conveyed that we should work together to move Japan forward."

Sanae Takaichi has moved closer to becoming Japan's first female prime minister after the Liberal Democratic Party agreed to form a coalition with the rightwing Nippon Ishin. Nippon Ishin shares hawkish views on China and opposition to mass migration. Komeito, the LDP's 26-year partner, left the coalition citing disagreement over security policy and a damaging funding scandal. The funding scandal and a cost-of-living crisis contributed to recent election losses that cost the ruling coalition majorities in both houses. The new coalition holds 231 lower-house seats, two short of a majority. MPs will vote for a new prime minister on Tuesday, and Takaichi is the strong favourite.

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