Tokyo: Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Sanae Takaichi has secured victory in both chambers of the bicameral parliament, becoming the country's first female prime minister. Takaichi now holds the position as Japan's 104th prime minister. According to Anadolu Agency, the first parliamentary vote began at 1.08 pm local time (0408GMT) and was broadcast live on the state-run NHK. Takaichi received 237 votes in the lower house, surpassing the required minimum of 233 lawmakers' support in the 465-seat chamber, with backing from the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) and independents. In the upper house, where 246 lawmakers are present, Takaichi secured the necessary 125 votes, defeating her main opponent, Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. The election took place during the 219th extraordinary session of the parliament, known locally as the Diet. Following her election, Takaichi is expected to announce her Cabinet lineup. Shinjiro Koizumi is anticipated to be appointe d as the defense minister, Toshimitsu Motegi as the foreign minister, and Yoshimasa Hayashi is likely to take over the internal affairs portfolio. Earlier in the day, outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Cabinet resigned, facilitating the election of the new leader. Ishiba stepped down last month after facing criticism from within the LDP due to consecutive election defeats. Takaichi was elected as the LDP's first female president earlier this month, following the LDP-led coalition's loss of its majority in the upper house election on July 20, and a similar loss in the lower house in October 2024. Ishiba was the fourth Japanese prime minister to resign in just five years, following Shinzo Abe, Yoshihide Suga, and Fumio Kishida. The LDP has maintained almost uninterrupted rule in Japan, with the exception of six years.