Lawmakers in Japan elected hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi as prime minister on Tuesday, making her the first woman in modern times to lead the key U.S. ally.

Takaichi, 64, the new leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was elected by lawmakers in the lower house of parliament by a vote of 237-149 over her closest rival, Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the liberal opposition Constitutional Democratic Party. She was also elected by upper house lawmakers in a second vote of 125-46 after falling one vote shy of a majority in the first round.

Stream Los Angeles News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE

Though her election is a milestone in a country where women are severely underrepresented in government, Takaichi enters office with a fragile coalition and f

See Full Page