Japan: Japan’s lower house has officially reappointed Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister, just 10 days after her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a commanding victory in snap elections.
The 64-year-old leader, who became Japan’s first female Prime Minister in October, won a two-thirds majority in the February 8 vote, strengthening her mandate to pursue an ambitious agenda on national security and economic policy.
Takaichi has pledged to enhance Japan’s defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions. She has indicated that Tokyo may consider military action if China attempts to seize Taiwan by force, drawing sharp criticism from Beijing.
At the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused elements in Japan of trying to ‘revive militarism.’ On Friday, Takaichi is expected to outline updates to Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, including measures to strengthen supply chains and deepen trade ties through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which Britain joined in 2024. Her administration is also preparing legislation to create a National Intelligence Agency and begin debate on an anti-espionage law.
本日、第２２１回特別国会が召集され、第１０５代内閣総理大臣として、引き続き、重責を担うこととになりました。「高市内閣２．０」の始動です。
１２０日前、衆議院の首班指名選挙で、２３７票。
過半数をわずかに４票上回るだけの薄氷を踏む思いでの政権発足でした。… pic.twitter.com/vhVc21fZC6— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) February 18, 2026
On the domestic front, Takaichi faces significant economic challenges. Despite labor shortages and a shrinking population, she has proposed stricter immigration rules while promising to temporarily suspend the consumption tax on food for two years to ease rising prices.
The move has sparked concern among investors over Japan’s already high public debt, with long-term bond yields hitting record levels and the International Monetary Fund warning that debt-servicing costs could double by 2031.
In response, Takaichi plans to stress fiscal discipline, establish a bipartisan council to explore tax reform, and seek sustainable funding for Japan’s growing social security obligations. Her immediate focus will be securing parliamentary approval for the national budget starting April 1, delayed by the election campaign.
The ruling coalition is also pushing measures to criminalize the destruction of the national flag and accelerate discussions on constitutional revisions and imperial succession rules.
While Takaichi and much of the LDP oppose allowing a woman to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne, proposals to add male members to the imperial family remain under consideration.
