Japan elects first female PM

Japan elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister on Tuesday, marking a breakthrough in a country long dominated by male leadership.

Takaichi, head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, secured victory in both houses of parliament to become Japan’s 104th prime minister. Her win followed a runoff vote in the upper house, the first in 13 years, against opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda.

She was set to form her cabinet and officially launch her new government later in the day, closing a historic chapter in Japan’s political landscape.

Attribution: Xinhua