LDP Claims Dominant Victory
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appears set for a decisive win in Sunday’s snap elections, with early estimates showing her ruling bloc capturing roughly 300 of 465 seats in the lower house. If confirmed, this would mark the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) strongest performance since 2017 under the late Shinzo Abe. The projected two-thirds majority could allow the party to govern independently, without relying on the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).
LDP Secretary General Shunichi Suzuki credited voters for supporting Takaichi’s proactive fiscal policies and push to strengthen Japan’s national defense. In contrast, the opposition’s new Centrist Reform Alliance, combining the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and Komeito, lost more than two-thirds of its seats. The anti-immigration Sanseito party saw modest gains, projected to rise from two to between five and 14 seats, according to NHK.
A Revival of Popularity
At 64, Takaichi has revitalized the LDP after years of declining support due to inflation and corruption scandals. Once considered part of the party’s ultra-conservative wing, the former heavy metal drummer and admirer of Margaret Thatcher has broadened her appeal, particularly among younger voters.
Her first months as Japan’s first female prime minister included a $135 billion stimulus package aimed at easing inflation and a pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food. With public debt exceeding twice the size of Japan’s economy and long-term bond yields at record highs, the prime minister now faces pressure to deliver results on economic growth and price stability.
Beijing on Alert
Takaichi’s electoral success is likely to heighten tensions with China. Just weeks into her tenure, she indicated that Japan could intervene militarily if Beijing attempted to take Taiwan by force. China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, responded sharply—summoning Tokyo’s ambassador, issuing travel warnings, conducting joint air drills with Russia, and reclaiming Japan’s last two pandas.
As Takaichi consolidates domestic power, she will need to balance her economic agenda with delicate diplomacy in the region.
