Japan appointed its first-ever female prime minister on Tuesday after Sanae Takaichi, a conservative lawmaker known for her tough stance on China, secured a narrow parliamentary victory and formed a last-minute coalition deal.

Takaichi, 64, who succeeded Shigeru Ishiba, will lead a minority government amid a backdrop of political turbulence and economic challenges. Her appointment came after the lower house of parliament voted her in, followed by a runoff in the upper house. She will formally assume office later on Tuesday after meeting Emperor Naruhito.

An admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi became head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on October 4. However, her party has faced waning support, and last week its coalition partner, Komeito, withdrew over concerns about her conservative positions and an ongoing funding scandal.

To secure power, Takaichi struck an alliance on Monday night with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP), which advocates tax cuts on food, a ban on corporate donations, and reducing the number of lawmakers.

Pledging to “make Japan’s economy stronger and reshape Japan as a country that can be responsible for future generations,” Takaichi takes office as Japan’s fifth prime minister in as many years. Her new government faces a daunting to-do list — including a visit from U.S. President Donald Trump next week, population decline, and pressure to revive the stagnant economy.

Takaichi has promised to appoint a record number of women to her cabinet, aiming for what she described as “Nordic” representation levels. Local media report that Satsuki Katayama could oversee finance, while Kimi Onoda, who is half-American, may handle economic security.

Japan ranks 118th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, and women occupy only about 15 percent of lower house seats.

While Takaichi has spoken openly about women’s health issues and her experience with menopause, she opposes allowing married couples to use separate surnames and supports maintaining male-only succession in the imperial family.

In her hometown of Nara, many residents expressed cautious optimism. “She’s a strong-minded person, regardless of being a woman,” said 76-year-old Toru Takahashi. “She’s not like Trump, but she’s clear about what’s right and wrong.”

Others hope she will champion policies to make Japan more accommodating for women. “I’d be happy if we saw more support for childcare and help for women returning to work,” said student Nina Terao, 18.

Takaichi’s foreign policy will likely mirror Abe’s firm security stance. Though she has previously warned that Japan is “looked down on by China,” she has recently softened her tone and avoided visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, where Japan’s war dead are honored.

Her administration is expected to deepen ties with Washington amid trade and security talks. The U.S. has urged Tokyo to halt Russian energy imports and increase defense spending.

“I’d like her to be a prime minister who can clearly say ‘No’ when needed,” said pensioner Satoshi Sakamoto, 73.

With her party weakened and in the minority in both houses, Takaichi will need to seek cooperation from rivals to pass key legislation; a task that could define her leadership in Japan’s still male-dominated political arena.