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Sanai Takayashi, the conservative candidate, won the position of Prime Minister of Japan, becoming the first woman to hold this office in the country's history, after a vote by the Japanese parliament today (Tuesday).

Takayashi's election came after the resignation of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and coincided with the formation of a new coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party led by Takayashi and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin).

Takayashi received 237 votes in the House of Representatives, surpassing the minimum required for a majority (233 votes) in a chamber with 465 seats, paving the way for her confirmation in the less influential Senate and her official inauguration as Japan's 104th Prime Minister this evening.

The New Coalition and Its Challenges

After the collapse of the 26-year coalition with the Komeito Party, Takayashi engaged in intensive negotiations with opposition parties, resulting in an agreement with the right-wing Ishin Party led by Hirofumi Yoshimura.

This new coalition secured her a majority in parliament, but it may face challenges in passing the upcoming supplementary budget, as she will need support from other parties.

Economic Reactions

Following the announcement of Sanai Takayashi's victory, Japanese markets saw a rise, with the Nikkei 225 index reaching a record level of 49,930.90 points, up by 1.5%. Meanwhile, the yen experienced a slight decline against the dollar, with the exchange rate rising to 151.18 yen per dollar.

However, analysts, such as Hirofumi Suzuki, a foreign exchange strategist at SMBC Bank, expect Takayashi's government to avoid a sharp decline in the yen's value, with continued slight pressures on the currency.

Appointment of Satsuki Katayama as Finance Minister

Media reports indicate that Takayashi plans to appoint Satsuki Katayama, a seasoned politician and head of the financial research committee in the Liberal Democratic Party, as Finance Minister, making her the first woman to hold this position.

In a previous interview with Reuters, Katayama indicated that the true value of the yen should range between 120-130 yen to the dollar, reflecting a trend towards supporting currency stability.

This appointment is seen as a step to enhance economic stimulus in innovative ways while maintaining market stability.

Shift to the Right

Takayashi's election represents a shift to the right in Japanese politics, as she adopts socially conservative positions, such as opposing changes to the law that requires married couples to use a single family name.

With rising concerns in Japan about increasing prices, slowing economic growth, and immigration, Takayashi will face significant challenges in balancing these issues.

Fourth Prime Minister in Five Years

Takayashi is the fourth Prime Minister of Japan in five years, reflecting the political instability the country has experienced, as her predecessor Shigeru Ishiba resigned after just one year in office, following a period marked by economic challenges and difficult trade negotiations with the United States.