In a political earthquake that has redefined the landscape of East Asia, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has led the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a historic “supermajority” victory in the February 8, 2026, snap election.
Just four months after shattering the glass ceiling to become Japan’s first female leader, Takaichi’s gamble to seek a direct mandate from the people has paid off in spectacular fashion.
According to preliminary results reported by NHK, the LDP alone secured 316 seats in the 465-member House of Representatives—the party’s strongest performance since its founding in 1955.
When combined with her coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), Takaichi now controls a staggering 352 seats.
This two-thirds supermajority grants her the legislative power to override the Upper House and push through her agenda of constitutional revision and “Sanaenomics.”
From ‘Abe’s Protege’ to National Powerhouse
Takaichi’s rise is a masterclass in political resilience. A staunch conservative and protege of the late Shinzo Abe, she transformed from a niche “China hawk” into a populist icon.
Her campaign, characterized by the slogan “Work, Work, Work,” resonated deeply with younger voters.
As noted in her New Year’s address, she remains committed to a “responsive and proactive” fiscal policy, signaling a departure from the more cautious approaches of her predecessors.
The Bold Policies of the Takaichi Era
With this mandate, the Prime Minister is expected to move aggressively on several fronts:
- Economic Relief: Immediate plans to suspend the provisional gasoline tax and implement a two-year freeze on consumption taxes for food.
- Constitutional Reform: Pursuing a historic amendment to Article 9 to formally recognize Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
- Regional Security: Maintaining a firm stance against Beijing following her declaration that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would constitute an “existential crisis“ for Japan—a comment that triggered a major diplomatic spat.
Data at a Glance: The 2026 Election Results
| Party/Coalition | Seats Won | Status |
| Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) | 316 | Historic Solo Majority |
| Japan Innovation Party (JIP) | 36 | Coalition Partner |
| Ruling Coalition Total | 352 | Two-Thirds Supermajority |
| Opposition Parties | 113 | Significant Decline |
Despite the landslide, Takaichi faces a delicate balancing act. While Japanese stocks soared to record highs following the news, analysts warn that funding her massive stimulus packages could strain the world’s heaviest debt-to-GDP ratio.
However, with an approval rating hovering near 70%, Takaichi enters the spring of 2026 as the most powerful Japanese leader in a generation.