Takaichi vows to make Japan strong, prosperous through reforms

Globally, political and economic uncertainties are growing as "the free and open international order is being shaken and hegemonic moves are increasing," she said, in an apparent reference to China's escalating military activities and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Takaichi took office after winning the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race in early October, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba, who had announced the previous month that he would resign following the party's heavy setback in the House of Councillors election in July. But the ruling bloc of Takaichi's LDP and its junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party, is expected to continue struggling to manage parliamentary affairs, as it holds a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives and remains a minority in the upper chamber.