Japan’s parliament is set to vote for the next Prime Minister on 21 October, the first day of an extraordinary session. The vote follows the election of Sanae Takaichi as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister. However, the LDP now governs as a minority after its coalition partner, Komeito, withdrew. Takaichi’s confirmation depends on coalition negotiations, particularly with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party. The outcome will affect the government’s ability to pass a supplementary budget and manage a heavy diplomatic agenda, creating short-term political uncertainty