Japan’s Takaichi Sweeps Historic Election Win, Secures Supermajority

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling coalition scored a historic landslide victory in Sunday’s snap general election, clearing the way for promised tax cuts and a stronger national defence, according to official results and exit polls.

Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) alone crossed the 233-seat threshold needed for a simple majority in the 465-member Lower House less than two hours after polling closed, putting it on track for one of its strongest election performances ever. Together with coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), the ruling bloc has secured a two-thirds supermajority, allowing it to override the opposition-controlled upper chamber and significantly ease the government’s legislative agenda.

What exit polls showed

Exit polls by public broadcaster NHK, cited by Reuters, projected that the LDP–Ishin coalition would win 302 to 366 seats in the Lower House. The LDP alone was forecast to secure 274 to 328 seats, comfortably above the majority mark.

Japan’s snap election: Key points

1. Takaichi, 64, became prime minister in October after winning the LDP leadership and called the rare winter election to capitalise on high approval ratings and secure a fresh mandate.

2. Her direct, no-nonsense style and reputation as a tireless worker have resonated strongly with younger voters.

3. Since taking office, she has moved swiftly to boost military spending amid tensions with China and has pushed for a sales-tax cut, a policy that unsettled financial markets.

4. Her popularity has spilled into pop culture through a social media trend dubbed “sanakatsu,” centred on personal items she uses, including her handbag and signature pink pen.

5. The campaign gained momentum after US President Donald Trump endorsed Takaichi on Thursday, energising conservative voters but raising concerns among moderates.

6. A solo LDP majority would be seen as a clear personal mandate, strengthening Takaichi’s grip on power.

7. Failure by the coalition to secure a majority could have forced her resignation, potentially returning Japan to political instability after four prime ministers in roughly three years.

8. Voters elected 465 lawmakers, with 289 seats decided in single-member districts and 176 through proportional representation.

9. Polls closed at 8 pm local time, with media projections released shortly afterward.

10. Pre-election opinion surveys had already suggested the ruling coalition could secure around 300 seats, a prediction borne out by early results.