PM Sanae Takaichi achieves a commanding mandate
Japan's political landscape has shifted dramatically. A landslide win in Sunday's elections has solidified Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's power, as her coalition captures a supermajority in the lower house.
Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) exceeded expectations by securing up to 328 of 465 seats. Coupled with the Japan Innovation Party, her coalition now holds a two-thirds majority, allowing them to bypass the upper house's influence.
At the LDP headquarters, Takaichi was all smiles, marking each victory with a red ribbon amidst applause. This triumph is a seal of approval on her leadership since becoming Japan's first female prime minister.
However, Takaichi's victory is just the beginning. Her handling of Japan's fiscal state and tensions with China over Taiwan remain under scrutiny. Her ambitious 21 trillion yen stimulus aims to tackle living costs, while her proposal to cut the sales tax on food has stirred market concerns.
Japan is dealing with immense public debt, twice its GDP. Financial markets are wary, and the yen faces volatility. Takaichi reaffirms her commitment to resilient economic policies, stressing the balance of public and private investment.
Takaichi’s diplomatic debut has been a trial by fire, with meetings alongside Trump and Xi Jinping. Her strong stance on Taiwan has irked Beijing, causing a halt in cultural exchanges. Yet, domestically, her firm posture is gaining support.
President Trump praised Takaichi, lauding her dedication to a "Conservative, Peace Through Strength Agenda."
Margarita Estévez-Abe, a politics expert, suggests Takaichi's win provides a chance to mend Sino-Japanese relations, with no immediate elections until 2028. Yet, the proposed tax cuts could quickly upset markets.
Braving mid-winter conditions, voters turned out to support Takaichi. Snowstorms battered regions, but determined voters saw it through, albeit impacting turnout rates.
Personal popularity has reversed the LDP’s fortunes, steering away from past scandals under previous leadership. Meanwhile, a fragmented opposition failed to present a formidable challenge, sinking further in the polls.
Key Takeaways
Takaichi's coalition secures a supermajority win.
Her tax and fiscal plans provoke market caution.
Tensions with China remain a key issue.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Source 2026-02.08
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