Voters Deliver a Powerful Mandate
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was heading for an overwhelming victory in Sunday’s snap election, riding a wave of early popularity and becoming the strongest leader the ruling party has seen in years. Media projections suggest her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies secured a two-thirds majority in the lower house — the party’s best showing since 2017 under former prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Early estimates put the LDP on track to win around 300 of the 465 seats in parliament, a dramatic jump from its previous tally. The result means the party may even be able to govern without relying on its junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party.
LDP secretary general Shunichi Suzuki said voters had endorsed Takaichi’s approach to the economy and national security, pointing to support for her fiscal plans and push to strengthen Japan’s defence capabilities.
Opposition Falters as LDP Rebounds
The election marked a sharp reversal of fortunes for the LDP, which had struggled in recent years amid rising living costs and corruption scandals. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, has managed to restore much of that lost support since taking office last October.
The main opposition alliance — the Centrist Reform Alliance formed by the Constitutional Democratic Party and former LDP partner Komeito — was projected to lose more than two-thirds of its seats. Meanwhile, the anti-immigration Sanseito party appeared to gain ground, increasing its presence in parliament from just two seats to as many as 14, according to public broadcaster NHK.
A former heavy metal drummer and outspoken admirer of Margaret Thatcher, the 64-year-old Takaichi was once seen as a fringe ultra-conservative within the LDP. Her direct style and assertive leadership, however, have resonated with voters, particularly younger ones.
Economic Pressure and Tensions With China Ahead
Despite the electoral triumph, challenges loom. Takaichi has promised bold action to tackle inflation, including a massive $135 billion stimulus package and a pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food. Financial markets are watching closely: Japan’s public debt now exceeds twice the size of its economy, and rising bond yields have already unsettled investors.
Her strong mandate could also strain relations with China. Shortly after taking office, Takaichi suggested Japan might intervene militarily if China attempted to seize Taiwan by force — comments that angered Beijing. China responded by summoning Japan’s ambassador, warning its citizens against travel to Japan, holding joint military drills with Russia and returning Japan’s last two pandas.
With a dominant majority behind her, Takaichi now faces the test of turning electoral momentum into economic stability — while navigating an increasingly tense regional landscape.
