The Japanese parliament on Wednesday confirmed ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader, Yoshihide Suga, as the 99th Prime Minister.
Suga was the Chief Cabinet Secretary and served as the government spokesperson since 2012.
He was one of the five individuals tipped to succeed former premier, Shinzo Abe.
Abe resigned late August for health reasons.
Suga, 71, faces the challenge of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy.
He promised to continue Abe’s policies and is expected to reappoint many of the existing cabinet members.
They include Finance Minister, Taro Aso and Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi.
Aso, 79, was the Deputy Prime Minister under Abe.
“I will create a cabinet that works for the people,” Suga assured.
