Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s Coalition Secures Historic Election Victory

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi led her ruling coalition to a historic landslide victory in the February 8 general election, paving the way for proposed tax cuts and an expansion of military spending aimed at countering China—moves that have already unsettled financial markets.

Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won 316 of the 465 seats in the powerful lower house of parliament, marking the best-ever electoral performance in the party’s history. With coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), the ruling bloc now commands 352 seats, giving it a two-thirds supermajority.

The supermajority significantly strengthens Takaichi’s legislative hand, enabling her to override the upper chamber, where the coalition does not hold a majority, and fast-track key policy initiatives.

A conservative leader and Japan’s first female prime minister, Takaichi has often cited Britain’s former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady,” as a source of inspiration. Her campaign emphasised economic reform, tax relief and a stronger security posture amid growing regional tensions.

The result marks a dramatic turnaround for the LDP, which had lost control of both houses of parliament in elections held over the past 15 months under Takaichi’s predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba. Analysts attribute the revival largely to Takaichi’s ability to connect with younger voters, helping restore the party’s dominance.