SANAE Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first ever female Prime Minister.
The conservative hardliner, 64, who was inspired by Margaret Thatcher, is set to be sworn in later today after agreeing to a last-minute coalition deal to secure a majority.
Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) agreed to join forces with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP) on Monday.
She comes in after Shigeru Ishiba, also of LDP, suffered heavy election losses earlier this year which forced him to resign.
Takaichi, also a heavy metal drummer, won 237 votes compared to the 149 won by Yoshikoko Noda – the head of the largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan – in the lower house of parliament.
Her historic charge to Japan’s National Diet comes with some reservations from those in Tokyo however.
Takaichi’s reign marks a sharp tack to the right for the country.
Her coalition with JIP points towards a move towards higher defence spending in Japan.
Takaichi has spoken about the reform of Japan’s “pacifist” postwar constitution in the past as well as the introduction of tougher restrictions on immigration.
She has even been labelled as an ultraconservative in the past by those who have followed her political rise.
One of her biggest inspirations is the UK’s first ever Prime Minister in Margaret Thatcher.
Takaichi is among Japanese politicians who have stonewalled measures for women’s advancement.
She also supports the imperial family‘s male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage.
Another key belief she holds is abolishing the right to having separate surnames for married couples.
Despite her new role within Tokyo, Takaichi is expected to have a weak grip on power due to the failings of the previous government.
She is also being tasked with fixing some of Japan’s long-lasting issues such as the cost of living and rising immigration.
Political instability is also running rampant across Japan with Takaichi becoming the fifth prime minister in as many years.
Takaichi said at a signing ceremony on Monday: “Political stability is essential right now.
“Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”
Her first real test as PM will be hosting US President Donald Trump at the start of next week as he begins his Asia trip.
Takaichi is set to appoint her new cabinet immediately.
This will include another ground-breaking inclusion in Satsuki Katayama as Japan’s first female finance minister, according to reports.
Takaichi has been praised in the past for her down to earth personality compared to other top politicians.
She used to drum in a college band and has remained a superfan of iconic groups such as Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden for her whole life.
At one point, she even carried four pairs of drum sticks in a case across Tokyo as she used to play so often that they would snap, reports Japanese media.