Landslide win strengthens LDP
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is on track for a commanding victory in Sunday’s snap elections, with early estimates suggesting her ruling bloc has captured roughly 300 of 465 lower house seats. If confirmed, this would be the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) strongest performance since 2017 under the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s mentor. The results could give the LDP a two-thirds majority, potentially allowing it to govern without relying on its junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).
LDP Secretary General Shunichi Suzuki said the outcome reflects voter support for Takaichi’s fiscal policies and efforts to strengthen national defense. Meanwhile, the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance of the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and Komeito lost more than two-thirds of its seats, while the anti-immigration Sanseito party modestly increased its representation, according to NHK.
Reviving party fortunes
At 64, Takaichi has helped restore public support for the LDP after setbacks in previous elections due to rising prices and corruption. Once on the ultra-conservative fringe, the former heavy metal drummer and Margaret Thatcher admirer has gained popularity among younger voters since becoming Japan’s first female prime minister in October.
Early in her premiership, she introduced a $135 billion stimulus package to combat inflation and pledged to suspend the consumption tax on food. Still, Japan faces significant economic challenges, with debt more than twice the size of the economy and record-high yields on long-term bonds sparking global concern.
Regional tensions loom
Takaichi’s election success may strain relations with China. Shortly after taking office, the new prime minister—known for her hawkish stance—suggested Japan could intervene militarily if Beijing attempted to seize Taiwan by force. China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, reacted strongly, summoning Japan’s ambassador, warning citizens against travel to Japan, conducting joint air drills with Russia, and even reclaiming Japan’s last two pandas.
As Takaichi consolidates power at home, she faces the challenge of balancing domestic priorities with increasingly delicate regional diplomacy.
