Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has led her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a commanding win in Sunday’s (8 February) winter snap election, projected to secure up to 328 of 465 seats in the lower house.

With coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), Takaichi commands a two-thirds supermajority, allowing her to bypass the upper chamber on key legislation.

Key developments:

• Takaichi, 64, called the rare February election amid high approval ratings.

• She pledged tax cuts, including suspending the 8% sales tax on food, raising fiscal sustainability concerns.

• Security-focused policies aim to strengthen Japan’s defences against China.

• The result draws attention from US President Donald Trump, who endorsed her, and China, which views her rise cautiously.

• Taiwan President Lai Ching-te congratulated Takaichi, highlighting regional stability.

Takaichi’s win marks one of the LDP’s strongest electoral performances in decades.

ℹ️ Reuters

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