Japan's LDP and Ishin Form Coalition, Paving Way for First Female Prime Minister

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) have reached a broad agreement to form a coalition government, setting the stage for Sanae Takaichi to become the country's first female prime minister.

Takaichi, leader of the conservative LDP, and Hirofumi Yoshimura, head of the right-leaning Ishin, are expected to formalize their alliance on Monday.

Ishin lawmakers plan to support Takaichi in the upcoming parliamentary vote for prime minister on Tuesday. However, the party does not intend to send ministers to Takaichi's cabinet initially.

This coalition follows the recent departure of the LDP's long-standing partner, Komeito, which had been in alliance for 26 years. The split occurred after disagreements over political donation reforms and concerns about Takaichi's conservative views.

Takaichi, known for her conservative stances, supports constitutional revisions to reflect Japan's expanding military role and advocates for economic measures such as increased spending and tax cuts to mitigate inflation. She is also known for her regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, a controversial act in East Asia due to its association with Japan's wartime history.

The LDP and Ishin's combined seats are just short of a majority in the lower house, making this alliance crucial for Takaichi's bid. The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party is also courting Ishin to support a rival premiership bid by Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki.

The parliamentary vote to elect the new prime minister is scheduled for Tuesday.