Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP and its smaller coalition partner signed an agreement on Monday that paves the way for Takaichi to take over the post of prime minister.
The agreement with the right-wing party Nippon Ishin came at the last minute, just one day before the lower house is to vote on Takaichi's appointment as the fifth prime minister in as many years. If she wins the vote, she will take office the same day.
I look forward to working with you to strengthen Japan's economy and shape Japan as a country that can take responsibility for future generations, Takaichi said to Nippon Ishin's party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura when the coalition agreement was signed.
Yoshimura meant that the parties were "on the same side in the desire to drive Japan forward".
Takaichi, 64, is a China-critical right-wing politician within LDP and won the party leadership in October. Her path to the prime minister's post was initially hindered when LDP's 26-year coalition with the party Komeito broke down after a financial scandal and concern over Takaichi's China rhetoric. Her regular visits to a Tokyo shrine for Japan's war dead, including war criminals, were also portrayed as a potential problem,
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