Japan has elected its first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, in a historic move which is also hoped to boost the nation’s integrated resort aspirations.
In a Tuesday vote, the president of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), garnered some 237 votes in the Lower House and 125 in the Upper House, boosted by an alliance with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).
A strong follower of former PM Shinzo Abe, a casino proponent, Takaichi faces many challenges in regards to foreign relations, trade, and internal demands.
This comes even as the nation aims to forge ahead with a new round of integrated resort pitching as early as next year, with Nagasaki and Hokkaido potentially in the sights.
Currently the only IR project in Japan is MGM Osaka, a nearly $9 billion project which is expected to open by 2030.
Japan’s volatile political environment has seen a revolving door of top officials in recent years, with key legislation fixating their popular support or political demise.
The new PM comes from a conservative background, despite being a protégé of Shinzo Abe – who supported casino liberalization.
The elected official will still need to secure a majority in both houses of parliament to be able to pass legislation.
