Japan’s Sanae Takaichi wins supermajority after gamble on snap election

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has won a supermajority in the lower house following Sunday’s February 8 snap parliamentary election, validating her high-stakes gamble. Early results and exit polls show the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) , together with its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) , has captured around 300 of the 465 seats , far surpassing the 233 seats needed for a simple majority. Public broadcaster NHK projects the coalition may achieve a supermajority , giving Takaichi broad power to advance her conservative agenda on defense, the economy, and immigration. While preliminary results were available Sunday night, the official certified outcomes are expected by early Monday, February 9 , once all ballots are fully counted.

Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October, had called the snap election to consolidate her leadership amid party scandals and declining public support. She told voters, “ I am staking my position as prime minister on this election, ” underscoring the personal and political risks of the gamble. Analysts note that her bold move has now paid off, giving her a mandate to reshape Japan’s domestic and foreign policy.

The elections were conducted under record snowfall , particularly in northern Japan, which blocked roads and caused dozens of deaths. Despite these challenges, voters turned out in sufficient numbers to deliver a decisive victory for Takaichi’s ruling coalition.

In a notable international twist, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Takaichi during the campaign, offering what he described as a “complete and total endorsement” of her leadership. Trump wrote on social media that “ she will not let the people of Japan down! ” and announced plans to host her at the White House on March 19, highlighting the importance of U.S.-Japan ties in her campaign narrative.

Takaichi’s platform emphasized strengthening Japan’s economy and military capabilities , deepening ties with the United States, and enhancing national security amid rising regional tensions. She told supporters, “ This year we want to turn people’s anxiety about their lives and future into hope, and make Japan more prosperous and safe. ” Her government also plans to implement economic relief measures and stricter immigration rules , including temporarily suspending the consumption tax on food and non-alcoholic beverages and imposing tougher requirements for foreign residents and property owners, measures she said are necessary “ so that terrorists and industrial spies cannot easily enter. ”

The opposition, including the newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance , was unable to mount a serious challenge, with analysts noting that the short campaign the fastest in postwar Japan combined with severe snowstorms, initially introduced uncertainty into the race. The decisive outcome, however, leaves Takaichi’s coalition with broad legislative authority , while the opposition now faces a period of reassessment and rebuilding.

With this supermajority , Takaichi is positioned to push forward her conservative agenda on defense, immigration, and economic policy , signaling a new era of policymaking in Japan. Her victory underscores both the personal popularity of Takaichi and the electorate’s willingness to endorse her bold, high-risk political strategy.