Japan's new Prime Minister  Suga Yoshihide (Photo: Reuters)

Mr. Suga won the Diet vote with 314 out of 465 votes in the lower house and 142 out of 245 votes in the upper chamber.

He pledged to continue his predecessor Abe Shinzo’s signature economic policies, prioritizing economic recovery, COVID-19 control and a US alliance centered foreign policy. 

Mr. Suga has experienced a number of important positions such as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Communications under Prime Minister Koizumi, Minister of Home Affairs and Communications, and the Minister of State for Decentralization Reform under the Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's first administration. After Prime Minister Abe returned to power in December 2012, Mr. Suga was appointed to  Chief Cabinet Secretary and has held this position to date.

Shortly after his confirmation, the new Prime Minister announced his cabinet line up, which include 8 former cabinet members.