Sanae Takaichi, 64, has been elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), becoming the first woman to hold the position. She won an internal party election, beating 44-year-old minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
Takaichi is expected to be confirmed by parliament as Japan's prime minister on October 15.
Takaichi was born in the city of Nara and, unlike many LDP figures, comes from a non-political family: her mother was a police officer, and her father worked for an automobile company. She became interested in rock music in her youth and even played in a heavy rock band.
She began her political career in the 1990s, becoming a member of parliament in 1993 after several unsuccessful attempts at election. Takaichi was considered a close ally of Shinzo Abe, in whose government she held the post of Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Takaichi has opposed allowing husbands and wives to have different surnames in Japan, as well as allowing women to ascend the imperial throne. She also opposes same-sex marriage.
Her political program is almost entirely a continuation of Abe's "strong Japan" ideology, which involves strengthening the army, revising the pacifist constitution, and stimulating the economy.
Although Takaichi will become Japan's first female leader, she is not expected to make liberal changes in the field of gender equality. According to The Economist, some party colleagues call her "far right," and former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida secretly nicknamed her "Taliban."
Takaichi compares herself to Margaret Thatcher, declaring that she wants to become Japan's "Iron Lady."
Analysts warn that her leadership may be short-lived, as the country faces serious economic and social problems, including inflation, labor shortages, and record public debt.
In addition to domestic challenges, Takaichi faces complex foreign negotiations with the United States, China, and South Korea. He is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump in October in an attempt to restore the alliance.
Political analysts say the LDP is trying to curb the influence of the growing far-right movement in Japan by electing Takaichi. Still, her hard-line stance could jeopardize the party's long-standing partnership with the more moderate and centrist Komeito party.
"I am ready to work, work, work, and work for Japan," Takaichi said, acknowledging the difficulties she faces.
