Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, often dubbed the ‘Iron Lady,’ has secured a resounding victory in a snap election, propelling her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a supermajority in the lower house.4645
Snap Election Results
The LDP captured 316 of 465 seats in the lower house on February 8, 2026, marking its largest postwar triumph and the first two-thirds majority for a single party since World War II. With coalition partner Japan Innovation Party adding 36 seats, the ruling bloc controls 352 seats overall, enabling overrides of upper house decisions.4442
Takaichi called the 16-day campaign amid a minority government, betting on her rising popularity to consolidate power. Voters braved heavy snow and freezing temperatures, prioritizing economic relief, social security, and defense amid inflation pressures.46
Military Boost Amid China Tensions
The victory strengthens Takaichi’s hand to ramp up defense spending beyond 2% of GDP and revise strategic documents, targeting threats from China. She has warned that a Chinese assault on Taiwan could prompt Japanese military action, escalating Beijing’s ire and countermeasures like seafood import bans and military patrols.4345
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated post-election, “If Japan’s far-right forces misjudge the situation and act recklessly, they will inevitably face resistance.” Takaichi aims to reduce supply chain reliance on China in critical areas like rare earths while deepening U.S. ties, with President Trump praising her “Peace Through Strength Agenda” and their alliance’s “LIMITLESS” potential.43
Key Policy Agenda
Takaichi pledges to suspend the 8% sales tax on food to ease household costs, alongside investments in AI, quantum computing, and infrastructure. Constitutional revision, including enshrining the Self-Defense Forces under Article 9, tops her list, though upper house hurdles remain.4446
Markets reacted positively, with stocks hitting records and the yen strengthening, though analysts caution on debt risks and inflation from expanded borrowing.45
