Tokyo: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the reformist Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) have reached a broad agreement to form a coalition government, paving the way for Japan’s first female prime minister, according to Kyodo News.

LDP leader Sanae Takaichi and Ishin chief Hirofumi Yoshimura are expected to sign a formal alliance agreement on Monday. Ishin lawmakers will back Takaichi in the parliamentary vote for prime minister scheduled on Tuesday, though the party has decided not to immediately join her cabinet.

The coalition comes after LDP’s long-time junior partner, Komeito, ended its 26-year alliance, triggering negotiations with rival parties to secure leadership continuity. To gain Ishin’s support, the LDP agreed to pursue key reforms proposed by Ishin, including banning corporate and organizational political donations and temporarily exempting food items from Japan’s consumption tax. Ishin has specifically suggested eliminating the food tax for two years.

Takaichi’s ascension to the premiership marks a historic milestone for Japan and signals Ishin’s growing influence in national politics. Observers note that the coalition’s stability will depend on whether this support-without-cabinet arrangement can endure as governing responsibilities expand.

The immediate focus is now on the parliamentary vote and how the coalition implements its agreed reforms amid a shifting political landscape in Japan.