Japan’s Takaichi Wins Landslide Victory, Paving Way for Hardline Agenda

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a sweeping electoral victory on Sunday, vindicating her decision to call a snap election just 110 days after becoming the country’s first woman leader.

The early poll delivered a strong mandate for her economic policies and tough positions on immigration and China. Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won an absolute majority in the 465-member House of Representatives, Japan’s lower house, according to NHK.

As of early Monday, the LDP had secured at least 310 seats, a sharp rise from its previous tally of 198, NHK reported.

Strong Mandate After Risky Election Call

The decisive result clears the way for Takaichi to advance a conservative agenda on defence, social policy, and government spending, while strengthenin

g her international standing. The victory marks a dramatic turnaround for the LDP, which had recently suffered electoral setbacks that left it weakened in both chambers of Parliament.

Explaining her decision to call an early election, Takaichi told NHK that she believed “it would be wrong to simply drag things along without seeking a public mandate.”

At 64, she drew strong support from younger voters, who view her as a dynamic and charismatic leader. Despite harsh winter conditions, including heavy snowfall that delayed or shortened voting hours at several polling stations, turnout was estimated at around 56%, slightly higher than in the previous election in 2024.

Path Cleared for Sweeping Reforms

With her party now firmly in control, Takaichi faces few political constraints as she pursues expanded public spending and tougher national security legislation. By aligning with the Japan Innovation Party, she is expected to command a supermajority capable of fast-tracking key reforms.

“The LDP will not stand in her way, and there will be virtually no opposition ability to slow down her agenda,” said Tobias Harris, founder of advisory firm Japan Foresight.

Backing from Trump and Regional Challenges

Takaichi’s international profile has also been boosted by support from former US president Donald Trump, who endorsed her candidacy on social media, calling her a “strong, powerful and wise leader.” The two are scheduled to meet in Washington in March to discuss US military and economic commitments in Asia.

Responding to Trump’s endorsement, Takaichi wrote on X that “the potential of our Alliance is LIMITLESS.”

However, she continues to face diplomatic pressure from China following remarks in support of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. In November, she said Japan could consider military intervention if China attacked Taiwan.

In response, China imposed a series of economic measures, including restrictions on Japanese seafood imports, discouraging tourism, and limiting exports of critical minerals to Japan.

Consolidation of Power

With a commanding parliamentary majority and growing international visibility, Takaichi now enters the next phase of her leadership in a position of strength. Her landslide victory gives her broad latitude to pursue an assertive domestic and foreign policy agenda, while reshaping Japan’s political direction in the years ahead.