Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is on course to win the snap election by a landslide. Projections show the party securing 316 of the 465 lower house seats, the LDP’s best-ever result.
Together with coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), the ruling bloc could control 352 seats, according to reports. That gives it a commanding majority in parliament. NHK figures show Ishin is projected to take 36 seats, while opposition parties may win a combined 113.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Takaichi on her “landmark victory,” noting that Japan and India’s friendship could reach “greater heights.”
Once confirmed, the result would give Takaichi wide room to push her agenda. A two-thirds majority would also strengthen her position to pursue long-held plans to revise Japan’s pacifist constitution.
If the coalition secures at least 261 seats, it achieves an absolute stable majority. That would allow control over parliamentary committees and smooth passage of legislation, including key budgets. A supermajority of 310 seats would let the coalition override the upper house, where it currently lacks a majority.
Takaichi has said she will resign if she loses the lower house majority. The 64-year-old called the snap election to capitalise on her high approval ratings after taking over LDP leadership late last year.
Her gamble came early. She dissolved parliament just three months into her tenure. The goal was a fresh mandate and party stability before her popularity waned.
Speaking as results came in, she was quoted as saying, “This election involved major policy shifts — particularly a major shift in economic and fiscal policy, as well as strengthening security policy. These are policies that have drawn a great deal of opposition … If we have received the public’s support, then we truly must tackle these issues with all our strength.”
The projected victory contrasts sharply with recent troubles. Under her predecessors, the LDP lost its parliamentary majority amid corruption scandals and rising living costs. In 2024, the party lost its majority in both houses. Its decades-old coalition with Komeito collapsed.
In this election, Komeito joined the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan to form the largest opposition bloc in the lower house. Despite a more unified opposition, Takaichi’s personal popularity seems to have revived the party. Government approval ratings have mostly hovered above 70%.
The far-right Sanseito party fielded a record 190 candidates. Polls suggest it may win around 15 seats, up from just two. Analysts beleive the gains build on last year’s upper house election, when the party broke through with fiery warnings about foreigners and attracted younger voters.
Sanseito has sought ties with US President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. While expected to remain a small party, it has helped shift Japan’s political discourse to the right, mirroring trends in other advanced democracies.
Takaichi is Japan’s first elected female prime minister. She is an ultraconservative leader, known for her hardline views and distinctive style. A self-described admirer of Margaret Thatcher, she has called herself Japan’s “Iron Lady” and promised to “work, work, work” after taking office in October.
She opposes same-sex marriage, legislation allowing married couples to use separate surnames, and the idea of women succeeding to the imperial throne. Yet she herself has become a symbol-breaking figure. She has consistently backed traditional roles for women in society and family life.
Strongly pro-defence, she focuses on maintaining close ties with the United States while strengthening Japan’s military. She met Trump just days after assuming office.
Takaichi is also a motorbike enthusiast and heavy metal drummer. Her personal style and social media presence have made her popular with young voters, even as critics point out limited promotion of women within her cabinet.
Relations with China have grown tense. Last November, Takaichi suggested Japan could intervene militarily if China tried to seize Taiwan by force. Analysts say her hawkish stance has fueled concerns about rising defence spending.
In an interview, she sidestepped questions on funding these military outlays or easing diplomatic tensions with Beijing. Experts say her rightward shift is unlikely to fundamentally alter Japan’s broader foreign policy. She is expected to maintain stable ties with South Korea, guided by shared concerns over North Korea and China.
Takaichi pledged to suspend the 8% sales tax on food, aiming to ease household burdens. Investors are concerned about funding this policy, given Japan’s high government debt. Businesses have questioned whether higher spending and tax cuts can revive the economy.
During the campaign, Takaichi also pushed to toughen immigration rules, review foreign ownership of Japanese land, and tackle unpaid taxes and health insurance by foreign nationals. Experts hold the view that these policies could stoke anxiety and division, even though only 3% of Japan’s population are foreign nationals.
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