Tokyo-Japan’s ruling conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has chosen Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, paving the way for the 64-year-old to become Japan’s first female prime minister.

Takaichi, known for her strong conservative views, is a former minister, television host, and heavy metal drummer. She is one of Japan’s most recognizable and controversial political figures.

Her leadership comes at a difficult time, as Japan faces a slow economy, rising inflation, stagnant wages, and a weakened relationship with the United States. She will also need to manage a tariff deal with the Trump administration that was agreed upon by the previous government.

Takaichi’s immediate challenge will be to unite her divided party after years of internal disputes and corruption scandals. Her predecessor, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, resigned last month after a series of election losses that cost the LDP coalition its majority in both houses of parliament.

A close ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi has promised to revive his “Abenomics” policies focused on high government spending and low interest rates.

She also supports strengthening Japan’s defense policies and revising its pacifist constitution. Takaichi is known to visit the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals.

Though she is expected to be confirmed by parliament as prime minister, her appointment is not easy as LDP no longer holds a majority in both chambers.