Japan’s Takaichi secures historic supermajority in landslide election victory
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Snap Election Wins Secure Historic Majority
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s gamble on a snap election has yielded significant success, with voters granting her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) a commanding majority on Sunday, reported by public broadcaster NHK.
A Referendum on Leadership
The election was framed as a direct vote on Takaichi’s leadership, resulting in the LDP securing over 310 of the 465 seats in Japan’s lower house. This marks the first time since World War II that a single party has achieved a two-thirds supermajority. The broader ruling coalition surpassed 340 seats, consolidating power in parliament.
“I wanted the voters to give me a mandate because I advocated for responsible, proactive fiscal policy that would significantly shift economic and fiscal policy,” Takaichi stated in an NHK interview. She also thanked the electorate for their support, saying, “I wanted the voters to give me a mandate because I advocated for responsible, proactive fiscal policy that would significantly shift economic and fiscal policy,” she added.
Takaichi, a hardline conservative with the endorsement of US President Donald Trump, has maintained high approval ratings since her election less than four months ago. As the first woman to lead Japan, she has captivated the public with her strong work ethic, social media presence, and charismatic appeal. Viral moments, such as her impromptu drum session to K-pop hits with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, have further boosted her visibility.
In calling the early election, Takaichi aimed to leverage her popularity into a stronger mandate for her party, which has faced challenges in recent years due to a scandal involving the misuse of political funds. Her victory provides the LDP with the authority to override upper house votes and propose constitutional amendments.
“Congratulations to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Coalition on a LANDSLIDE Victory in today’s very important Vote. She is a highly respected and very popular Leader. Sanae’s bold and wise decision to call for an Election paid off big time,” Trump wrote on X. The US leader also expressed pride in endorsing Takaichi, calling it “my honor.”
Strategic Implications for Policy
The election result grants Takaichi’s party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, the numbers to chair all lower house committees. This positions them to advance policies addressing Japan’s aging population, rising living costs, a weak yen, and strained relations with China.
Takaichi’s rise to prominence followed the resignation of her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, amid internal party pressure after a series of setbacks for the LDP. She won the LDP presidency on October 4, marking her third successful bid for the role.
