Sanae Takaichi, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, has been elected as Japan's new prime minister, becoming the first woman in the country's history to hold this position. According to RIA Novosti, both houses of parliament supported her candidacy, and the proceedings were broadcast live. Takaichi thus becomes Japan's 104th head of government.

Takaichi, 64, is known for her conservative views and affinity with the political legacy of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in whose first cabinet she served as Minister for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs. Abe called her a "star of the conservatives."

After being elected as LDP leader in October of this year, Takaichi softened some of her positions, in particular refraining from the traditional visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, limiting herself to a personal offering.

The new head of government positions herself as a "Japanese Iron Lady," drawing inspiration from Margaret Thatcher. Her political priorities include strengthening the country's defense capability, developing dual-use technologies, and constitutional reform that would enshrine the Self-Defense Forces' status as a "self-defense army."

The composition of the new cabinet is expected to be announced on Tuesday, and it will officially begin work after being approved by Emperor Naruhito.