Sweeping win for the LDP
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appears to have scored a decisive victory in Sunday’s snap elections, with early reports suggesting her ruling bloc has won roughly 300 of 465 lower house seats. If confirmed, this would mark the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) strongest performance since 2017 under Takaichi’s mentor, the late Shinzo Abe. The result gives the party a clear majority—and possibly a super-majority—without relying heavily on its junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).
LDP Secretary General Shunichi Suzuki said voters had endorsed Takaichi’s proactive fiscal policies and efforts to strengthen national defence. Meanwhile, the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, made up of the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and former partner Komeito, suffered major losses, while the anti-immigration Sanseito party modestly increased its seats, according to broadcaster NHK.
Boosting the party’s popularity
At 64, Takaichi has revitalized support for the LDP after recent declines caused by inflation and corruption concerns. A former heavy metal drummer and admirer of Margaret Thatcher, she came from the party’s ultra-conservative wing but has broadened her appeal since becoming Japan’s first female prime minister last October.
Takaichi quickly implemented a $135 billion stimulus to ease the burden of rising prices and pledged to suspend the consumption tax on food—a move aimed at winning over voters frustrated by inflation. However, with Japan’s debt more than twice the size of its economy and long-term bond yields hitting record highs, she now faces pressure to deliver meaningful economic results.
Regional tensions rise
Takaichi’s victory is also likely to unsettle Beijing. Barely two weeks into office, the China hawk suggested Japan could take military action if Beijing attempted to seize Taiwan by force. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, responded strongly—summoning Tokyo’s ambassador, warning its citizens against traveling to Japan, conducting joint air drills with Russia, and even reclaiming Japan’s last two pandas.
As she consolidates political power at home, Takaichi will now need to navigate both domestic expectations and sensitive regional relations.
