Japan appointed its first woman prime minister on Tuesday (21 October) as Sanae Takaichi, a China hawk and social conservative, won an unexpected majority in the first round of parliamentary voting, NDTV reported. She will formally take office after meeting the emperor.

Sanae Takaichi, a fan of Iron Maiden, had an improbable rise to power. Like her mentor, Shinzo Abe, she is expected to lead Japan to the right.

Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first woman prime minister and Shinzo Abe’s protege, brings ultra-conservative views and bold policies to Tokyo’s top post.

Japan prepares to make Sanae Takaichi as Japan’s first Prime Minister, shaping a cabinet that balances rivals and allies. Assigning key roles to former opponents in a conservative cabinet marks a political renewal.