Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan took a significant political risk by calling a snap election just 110 days into her term. This bold move, however, paid off handsomely, as voters delivered a resounding mandate for her economic policies and uncompromising approach to immigration and relations with China.
According to analysis by public broadcaster NHK, Ms. Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured an absolute majority in Japan’s 465-member House of Representatives, winning at least 289 seats, a substantial increase from their previous 198. This decisive outcome empowers Ms. Takaichi to push forward a conservative agenda aimed at strengthening Japan’s military and tightening its oversight on immigration and tourism. She expressed that the snap election was necessary because “it would be wrong to simply drag things along without seeking a public mandate,” indicating a prior sense of unease regarding her government’s legitimacy.
This victory represents a remarkable turnaround for the LDP, a party that has largely dominated Japanese politics for seven decades but had recently faced a series of bruising defeats, leaving it in a minority position in both houses of Parliament. Now, with a stronger foundation, Ms. Takaichi is set to face minimal internal resistance as she implements aggressive government spending programs and expansive national security laws. By potentially collaborating with the Japan Innovation Party, she could even command a supermajority, accelerating the implementation of her priorities.
External factors, however, remain a significant consideration. Ms. Takaichi is preparing to meet President Trump in Washington in March, aiming to ensure continued American military and economic commitments in Asia. Furthermore, she must navigate the ongoing diplomatic tensions with China, which escalated following her statement in support of Taiwan—a self-governed democracy Beijing claims as its own. Her supporters believe this strong electoral performance will signal to Beijing that Tokyo is resolute and will not yield to Chinese pressures.
In the lead-up to the election, logistical challenges arose due to heavy snowfall across much of Japan, forcing many polling stations to close early. This weather event contributed to a dip in voter turnout. Despite these challenges, the LDP’s strong momentum was evident, even as smaller right-wing parties like Sanseito showed increased support, establishing “deeper roots” by surpassing their previous seat count.
Beyond the political maneuvering, the election also saw a notable milestone with Hikaru Fujita, a candidate who garnered attention for running while pregnant with her first child. Her victory is a significant step in a country where expectant mothers rarely enter national politics, challenging Japan’s patriarchal system.
Economically, Ms. Takaichi’s administration has initiated aggressive spending programs and is considering tax cuts, sparking debate over how these initiatives will be funded amidst Japan’s substantial debt. However, the Japanese stock market has responded positively, with major indexes reaching record highs, bolstered by a weakened yen and strong corporate earnings. There are also signs that Japan’s long-standing deflationary cycle might be ending, with economists projecting a moderation of consumer prices. This could allow wage growth to finally outpace inflation, providing a much-needed boost to household finances. However, the shadow of diplomatic tensions with China, including trade restrictions, poses a potential threat to Japan’s economic growth.
Prime Minister Takaichi’s rise to power has been remarkable. A fan of heavy metal music in her youth, she overcame traditional expectations and carved out a distinguished political career, including serving as a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming Japan’s first female prime minister represents a significant moment for women in a country where they have traditionally struggled for political influence. Her determination to lead Japan with a conservative vision, while navigating complex domestic and international landscapes, marks the beginning of a pivotal era for the nation.