Japan’s conservative prime minister Sanae Takaichi won a decisive victory in a snap general election, securing a supermajority in the lower house and strengthening her ability to advance a contentious policy agenda.
The outcome followed a high-stakes decision to call a rare winter election shortly after she took office, a move that surprised both the opposition and many voters but ultimately consolidated her political authority.
Official counts reported by public broadcaster NHK showed Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner surpassing the threshold needed to override the upper house, where the government lacks control.
The Liberal Democratic Party alone exceeded the 233 seats required for a majority in the 465-seat lower house, while the governing coalition achieved a two-thirds supermajority.
Exit polls projected the coalition would win between 302 and 366 seats, with turnout sustained despite freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall in parts of the country.
The far-right Sanseito party expanded its presence but fell short of its stated goals, underscoring the dominance of the ruling bloc.
Speaking as results came in, Takaichi said the coalition would continue and signaled continuity in leadership, ruling out a major cabinet reshuffle.
Her popularity was fueled in part by strong backing from younger voters and a surge of interest in her personal style, often referred to as “Sanamania.”
Takaichi had pledged to step down if her coalition lost its majority, a condition rendered moot by the scale of the victory.
The election result has immediate implications for Japan’s economic and security policies, including proposed tax cuts and expanded defense spending.
Financial markets have expressed concern over funding plans, even as Takaichi emphasized fiscal sustainability.
International reactions highlighted the regional stakes of her strengthened mandate.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te congratulated her, writing, “May your victory bring a more prosperous and secure future for Japan and its partners in the region,” after earlier remarks by Takaichi on Taiwan had strained ties with China.
Beijing has responded to her stance with trade and travel measures, reflecting broader diplomatic friction.
The United States also figures prominently, with President Donald Trump offering a public endorsement and planning a White House meeting with Takaichi next month.
Her supermajority now positions her to accelerate policies that supporters see as restoring direction, while critics warn of economic and diplomatic risks ahead.