LDP Storms Back as Takaichi Wins Japan General Election

• By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Tokyo
• Feb 08, 2026
• 620

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) registered a landslide victory in Japan’s general elections held on Sunday, securing a decisive mandate to govern. According to public broadcaster NHK World, the LDP has so far won 300 of the 465 seats in the House of Representatives—well above the 233 seats required for a simple majority.
Together with its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), the ruling bloc is projected to win up to 366 seats. A coalition strength exceeding 310 seats would enable the government to pass legislation even if the opposition controls the upper house, significantly strengthening Takaichi’s hand in parliament.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Takaichi on her victory, posting on X, “I am confident that under your able leadership, we will take the India–Japan friendship to new heights.”
Strong mandate for economic and security reforms
Prime Minister Takaichi has campaigned on a strongly conservative platform, emphasizing national security, immigration reform, and economic relief measures. She has taken a firm stance against China, pledged to increase military spending, and announced an economic stimulus package, including tax cuts and a proposal to suspend the 8 percent sales tax on food items for two years to ease inflationary pressure.
Seiji Inada, Managing Director at strategic consultancy firm FGS Global, said a large victory would give Takaichi greater freedom to act. “If Takaichi wins a big victory, he will have the freedom to implement important decisions like tax cuts,” he noted.
Trump endorsement draws global attention
Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Takaichi on February 5, calling her a “strong, powerful, and intelligent leader who truly loves her country.” Trump also announced plans to meet Takaichi at the White House on March 19, 2026.
The endorsement—issued just days before the February 8 election—marked a rare moment in Japan–U.S. relations, as it is the first time a sitting U.S. president has openly supported a Japanese leader during an election campaign.
Youth-driven popularity and “Sanakatsu” trend
A social media trend dubbed “Sanakatsu” has gained momentum, particularly among young voters. Personal items associated with Takaichi, including handbags and the pink pen she uses in parliament, have become popular symbols among her supporters.
A recent survey indicated that over 90 percent of voters under the age of 30 favored Takaichi, although voter turnout in this age group traditionally remains low.
Background and political context
The election follows a turbulent period for the LDP. In the 2024 general elections, the party suffered significant losses, reducing then–Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government to a minority. Takaichi went on to win the 2025 LDP presidential election, subsequently forming a coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party.
In January 2026, with her approval rating exceeding 70 percent, Takaichi dissolved the House of Representatives and called for early elections, seeking a clear mandate for her policy agenda.
Opposition focuses on inflation, welfare
The LDP contested 285 single-seat constituencies and 52 proportional representation seats, while coalition partner Ishin ran in 33 seats. Takaichi herself contested from Tokyo, where her popularity was expected to boost the party’s overall performance.
The main opposition, the Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA)—comprising the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and Komeito—fielded candidates in 159 seats. Opposition leaders, including Yuriko Koike, centered their campaign on inflation, economic management, and social welfare, in contrast to Takaichi’s focus on security and immigration.
Regional and global implications
Observers note that the election outcome is significant not only for Japan’s domestic politics but also for security dynamics, economic policy, and diplomatic alignments in the Indo-Pacific region, where Japan plays a pivotal strategic role.