Japan elected its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, on Oct. 21, and her signature outfit -- a blue suit and pearl necklace -- also drew attention. The Mainichi Shimbun briefly answers some questions readers may have about Takaichi's chosen attire.

Question: I heard Japan elected a female prime minister for the first time ever. Who is she?

Answer: In the prime ministerial selection vote held in both houses of the Diet on Oct. 21, Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japan's 104th prime minister. This marks the first time in the history of Japanese constitutional governments that a woman has assumed the post.

Q: Why are her blue suits and pearl necklace such a talking point?

A: Apparently, her necklace is a memento from her mother. Its combination with her blue dress gives her a look that resembles that of the United Kingdom's first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, also known as the "Iron Lady." Sources close to Takaichi insist their resemblance is a coincidence.

Q: Didn't Takaichi say that Thatcher was a politician she "admired"?

A: Yes. Thatcher became U.K. prime minister in 1979 and pushed for public works cuts and deregulation in pursuit of "limited government."

Q: How has Takaichi been influenced by Thatcher?

A: Takaichi saw herself reflected in Thatcher's stance of demonstrating leadership by sticking to her convictions.

Q: What sort of look did Thatcher favor?

A: She liked to wear blue, the color associated with the political party that she led, the Conservative Party. She was also fond of a pearl necklace gifted to her by her husband.

Q: How has the British media covered Takaichi?

A: The BBC outlined her conservative stances and called her "Japan's Iron Lady."