Voters Deliver a Strong Mandate
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi looked set for a decisive victory in Sunday’s snap election, with early estimates showing her ruling bloc securing a commanding two-thirds majority in the lower house. Media projections suggest the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) could win around 300 of the chamber’s 465 seats, its strongest showing since 2017 under former prime minister Shinzo Abe. The result would restore the LDP’s dominance after years of sliding support and could even allow the party to govern without its junior coalition partner.
LDP secretary general Shunichi Suzuki said voters had endorsed Takaichi’s “responsible, proactive fiscal policies” and her push to strengthen Japan’s defence. Meanwhile, the main opposition alliance suffered heavy losses, while the anti-immigration Sanseito party appeared to make modest gains.
A Political Revival Built on Economic Promises
At 64, Takaichi has rapidly rebuilt public backing for the LDP, capitalising on her early momentum as Japan’s first woman prime minister. Once seen as a hardline conservative on the party’s fringe, she has struck a chord with voters, particularly younger ones, by focusing on everyday economic concerns.
Her government rolled out a $135 billion stimulus package to cushion households from rising prices and pledged to suspend the consumption tax on food. Still, challenges loom. Japan’s debt now exceeds twice the size of its economy, and surging long-term bond yields have unsettled financial markets, raising questions about how far Takaichi can push spending without rattling investors.
China Tensions Cast a Shadow
Takaichi’s emphatic win may also strain relations with Beijing. Shortly after taking office, she suggested Japan could intervene militarily if China attempted to seize Taiwan by force, remarks that angered Chinese leaders. Beijing responded by summoning Japan’s ambassador, issuing travel warnings to its citizens and staging joint military drills with Russia. Symbolically, China even recalled Japan’s last two pandas.
With a strengthened mandate now in hand, Takaichi faces the task of balancing economic reform at home while navigating increasingly delicate ties with China abroad.
