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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, dissolved the lower house of parliament on January 23, calling a snap election for February 8.
The election resulted in a landslide victory for her ruling coalition, granting it a two-thirds supermajority in the House of Representatives.
Election Timeline and Context
Prime Minister Takaichi assumed office in late October following her election as president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). In December 2024, the LDP and its former coalition partner, Komeito, lost their majority in the upper house. In October 2024, the LDP had lost its majority in the lower house, leading to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. After taking office, Takaichi formed a new coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).
On Wednesday, January 23, Takaichi informed LDP leaders of her intention to dissolve parliament. Parliament was dissolved on Friday, January 23, initiating a 12-day campaign period. The election date was set for February 8. This marked the first winter election in Japan in 36 years.
Prime Minister Takaichi stated that the election would allow voters to assess her suitability to continue as prime minister and described the decision to call the election as challenging. She had publicly stated she would resign if her ruling coalition failed to secure a majority.
Election Results
The LDP secured 316 of the 465 seats in the House of Representatives. Its coalition partner, the JIP, won 36 seats. The combined total of 352 seats gives the coalition a two-thirds supermajority in the lower house.
This result represents the LDP's largest electoral victory since its founding in 1955. Exit polls from public broadcaster NHK projected the LDP would win between 274 and 326 seats. The Centrist Reform Alliance, formed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) and Komeito, performed below expectations and lost a substantial number of seats. The populist Sanseito party was projected to gain up to 14 seats.
Voter turnout was estimated at 56.22 percent, an increase from 53.8 percent in the previous lower house election in 2024.
A record 27.02 million people cast early ballots, an increase of approximately 6 million from the 2024 election. The election was held amid heavy snowfall in many parts of the country.
Prime Minister's Reappointment and Cabinet
Following the election, Prime Minister Takaichi and her cabinet resigned en masse on Wednesday, February 12. A special session of the Diet was convened to elect a new prime minister. Takaichi was subsequently reappointed to the position. Local media indicated that significant changes to the cabinet lineup were unlikely, given that the cabinet was appointed only months prior in October.
Key Policy Proposals
Economic Policy
Prime Minister Takaichi has proposed a 21 trillion yen stimulus package. She has pledged to suspend the 8 percent consumption tax on food for two years, a policy estimated to reduce annual government revenue by 5 trillion yen. She has stated a commitment to "responsible yet aggressive" fiscal policy and fiscal sustainability.
Defense and Security Policy
The Takaichi administration has approved a record defense budget of nine trillion yen ($57 billion). The government plans to increase defense spending to 2 percent of GDP, a significant rise from the long-standing cap of 1 percent. The administration is considering revisions to Japan's National Defense Strategy and related documents. Takaichi has indicated support for establishing a national intelligence agency and has expressed openness to reviewing policies regarding the production, possession, or sharing of nuclear weapons.
Constitutional Amendment
The coalition's supermajority provides the parliamentary support necessary to initiate amendments to Japan's post-World War II constitution, drafted by the United States. Takaichi has committed to revising Article 9, which renounces war and constrains military force. While a two-thirds majority is also needed in the upper house for a constitutional amendment, analysts have noted the lower house's significant majority may influence the upper house's position.
International Relations
United States
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Takaichi on his Truth Social platform prior to the election, stating a "Complete and Total Endorsement" of her and her coalition. He announced a meeting with Takaichi at the White House scheduled for March 19. Takaichi has stated her intention to maintain the Japan-U.S. alliance as the foundation of foreign policy and to deepen the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" concept.
China and Taiwan
In November, Takaichi stated in parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan, including a military blockade, could constitute an "existential crisis for Japan," potentially triggering Japan's right to collective self-defense. This position led to a diplomatic dispute with China. China responded by re-imposing a ban on Japanese seafood imports, placing restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, issuing warnings against travel to Japan for its nationals, and canceling cultural performances. China also imposed a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan's military, which Takaichi stated violates international protocols. China clarified the ban applies to Japanese military firms.
Australia
Takaichi conducted a visit to Australia in May 2026, meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Both leaders described the bilateral relationship as important. Australia is purchasing Mogami-class frigates from Japan. A former Australian senior defense official, Richard Gray, recommended that Australia lease conventional submarines from Japan as a fallback option for the AUKUS submarine program.
Political Landscape and Opposition
The LDP has faced challenges, including a political funding scandal and past associations with the Unification Church. The party's approval rating has remained around 30 percent, while Takaichi's personal approval ratings have ranged between 60 and 80 percent in major polls.
The main opposition group, the Centrist Reform Alliance, was formed by the CDPJ and Komeito. Komeito was previously the LDP's coalition partner for 26 years before leaving the alliance in October over policy differences. The new alliance performed below expectations in the election, leading to the resignation of its leaders.
Market Reactions
Following the election announcement, the benchmark Nikkei 225 index reached a record high, as investors anticipated that a Takaichi victory would facilitate her fiscal policies and increased government spending. After the election results, the Nikkei share average rose to a new record high on Monday, closing up 3.9% at 56,363 points. The yield on Japan's 10-year government bonds reached a 27-year high. The yen depreciated by approximately 6% against the U.S. dollar since Takaichi's election as prime minister.