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

Officials confirm media reports that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic party will join forces with rightwing Nippon Ishin

Sanae Takaichi has moved a step closer to becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, after her party reportedly agreed to form a new coalition with a minor party.

Officials on Monday confirmed media reports that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic party (LDP) would join forces with the rightwing Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation party), which shares her hawkish stance on China and opposition to mass migration.

“Today we will sign the agreement to launch a coalition government,” Hirofumi Yoshimura, Ishin’s co-leader, told reporters, adding that the agreement would be formalised later in the day.

“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.”