Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a historic victory in the snap election, giving her coalition a commanding majority. The conservative Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, was projected to win as many as 328 of the 465 seats in the lower house for her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), far surpassing the 233 needed for a majority.
Together with coalition partner the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), she now controls a supermajority, allowing her to advance her legislative agenda despite not holding a majority in the upper house.
“This election involved major policy shifts, particularly in economic and fiscal policy, as well as security. If we have received the public’s support, we must tackle these issues with all our strength,” Takaichi said in a televised interview.
I am sincerely grateful to President Donald J. Trump for his warm words.
I look forward to visiting the White House this spring and to continuing our work together to further strengthen the Japan–U.S. Alliance.
Our Alliance and friendship with the United States of America are… pic.twitter.com/W0pZSvohvx— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) February 9, 2026
The snap election, only the third postwar vote held in February, came amid record snowfall across Japan, forcing some polling stations to close early. Despite harsh weather, voters turned out in large numbers, reflecting strong public interest in Takaichi’s leadership.
Takaichi has promised to suspend the 8 percent sales tax on food to ease household costs, a move that has unsettled investors concerned about Japan’s already heavy national debt. She plans to fast-track the tax cut while focusing on fiscal sustainability.
Congratulations Sanae Takaichi on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives!
Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2026
The victory also strengthens Takaichi’s ability to pursue a more robust defense policy. Shortly after taking office, she outlined Japan’s potential response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan, sparking tensions with Beijing. Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said that the government would push ahead with policies to bolster national security while maintaining dialogue with China.
Takaichi, 64, has gained popularity for her direct style and hardworking image, earning the nickname ‘Iron Lady of Japan.’ She has also sparked a ‘sanakatsu’ craze, with her signature handbag and pink pen becoming symbols of her personal brand. US President Donald Trump recently endorsed Takaichi and is expected to host her at the White House next month.
The LDP had struggled under Takaichi’s predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, but her rise has revitalized the party, particularly among younger voters. Economists and business leaders, including Keidanren chief Yoshinobu Tsutsui, have welcomed the victory as a step toward political stability and economic growth.
