TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi coalition achieved a historic victory in Sunday’s (Feb 8) lower house elections, granting her government a supermajority and paving the way for ambitious economic and security policies.
Read More: PM Takaichi calls snap election in Japan
Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, led the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to 316 of 465 seats, while her coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) gives her control of 352 seats, two-thirds of the lower house. The supermajority allows her to override the upper chamber, where her coalition lacks a majority, effectively smoothing her legislative path.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition won a landslide election victory, paving the way for her planned tax cuts that unsettled financial markets and increased military spending aimed at countering China https://t.co/QKK1ISqsAd pic.twitter.com/68ES2pRHfg
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 8, 2026
“This election involved major policy shifts—particularly economic, fiscal, and security policies,” Takaichi said in a televised interview. “If we have received the public’s support, then we truly must tackle these issues with all our strength.”
Her government has pledged substantial tax cuts, a move that has rattled financial markets, alongside increased military spending aimed at countering China’s growing regional influence. Takaichi, 64, has drawn inspiration from Britain’s “Iron Lady,” Margaret Thatcher, emphasizing strong leadership and national security.
The snap winter election was called to leverage Takaichi’s high approval ratings, with voters responding positively to her direct, hardworking image. Despite record snowfall in parts of Japan, turnout remained strong, demonstrating widespread engagement. In Niigata prefecture, teacher Kazushige Cho described Takaichi’s leadership as “creating a sense of direction—like the whole country is pulling together.”
Read More: Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Sanae Takaichi forges stunning election win
Internationally, U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Takaichi, praising her “Conservative, Peace Through Strength agenda” and confirming plans to host her at the White House next month.
Analysts say Takaichi’s victory could significantly reshape Japan’s economic and security strategy, particularly in areas of taxation, defense spending, and regional diplomacy, while marking a historic moment in Japanese politics as the first female prime minister to secure such a decisive mandate.