Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan ’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, breaking the nation’s political glass ceiling and steering it toward a pronounced rightward course.

An acolyte of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and an admirer of Britain ‘s Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is expected to return to Abe-style government stimulus as she attempts to jumpstart an economy saddled with slow growth and rising prices. While her victory marks a pivotal moment for a country where men still hold overwhelming sway, she named just two women to her cabinet, far fewer than what she had promised.

Takaichi is also likely to usher in a sharp move to the right on issues such as immigration and defence, making her the latest leader in tune with the broader rightward shift in g

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