Voters Deliver a Strong Mandate
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appeared headed for a decisive victory in Sunday’s snap election, with early media projections showing her ruling bloc securing a two-thirds majority in the lower house. If confirmed, it would mark the Liberal Democratic Party’s strongest showing since 2017, during the tenure of her mentor, former prime minister Shinzo Abe. Estimates suggest the LDP won around 300 of the chamber’s 465 seats, comfortably regaining its majority and potentially doing so without the support of junior coalition partners.
LDP secretary general Shunichi Suzuki said voters had endorsed Takaichi’s “responsible, proactive fiscal policies” and her focus on strengthening Japan’s defense. Meanwhile, the main opposition alliance suffered heavy losses, while the anti-immigration Sanseito party made modest gains, according to public broadcaster NHK.
A Rapid Political Revival for the LDP
At 64, Takaichi has quickly reversed the LDP’s recent slide in popularity, which had been driven by rising living costs and corruption scandals. Once considered a fringe ultra-conservative within the party, the former heavy metal drummer and admirer of Margaret Thatcher became Japan’s first female prime minister last October.
Her early months in office struck a chord with voters, particularly younger ones. A massive $135 billion stimulus package aimed at easing inflation was followed by a campaign pledge to suspend consumption tax on food. Still, economic challenges loom large. Japan’s public debt remains more than double the size of its economy, and rising bond yields have already unsettled global markets.
China Tensions Loom After the Vote
Takaichi’s emphatic win may also test relations with Beijing. Shortly after taking office, she suggested Japan could intervene militarily if China attempted to seize Taiwan by force, comments that sparked a sharp backlash from Chinese officials.
China responded by summoning Japan’s ambassador, warning its citizens against travel to Japan, and staging joint military drills with Russia. Even Japan’s last two pandas were returned to China, underscoring the chill in ties. With a powerful mandate now in hand, Takaichi faces the dual challenge of stabilizing the economy while navigating an increasingly tense regional landscape.
