Japan PM Sanae Takaichi consolidates power with resounding snap election win

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling coalition has won a commanding victory in Sunday’s snap lower house elections, securing a super-majority of at least two-thirds of the seats, according to projections by national broadcaster NHK.

Exit polls and early counts suggest the coalition captured at least 310 of the 465 seats contested. The PM has entrenched her authority just four months into office, giving her significant leverage to pursue her right-wing agenda, which includes strengthening Japan’s military capabilities amid rising tensions with China and deepening ties with the United States.

Takaichi, 64, became Japan’s first female leader in October after winning the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership contest. She inherited a party weakened by inflation, funding scandals and the rise of the populist Sanseito party, but her hardline stance on China, reputation for tireless work, and appeal to younger voters have bolstered her popularity.

A staunch conservative who has often cited Margaret Thatcher as her political inspiration, Takaichi has shown little interest in framing her leadership around gender. Instead, she has focused on defence and economic security, warning in November that Japan could intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan. The remark triggered a diplomatic row, with Beijing imposing restrictions on exports of dual‑use goods and rare earth materials vital for Japan’s industries.

Her premiership has also been marked by symbolic gestures: she has visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, voiced strong support for Taiwan, and cultivated ties with US President Donald Trump, gifting him items ranging from golf equipment to American beef. She has pledged aggressive fiscal spending and monetary easing, echoing the “Abenomics” policies of her mentor, the late Shinzo Abe.

Despite promising to improve gender representation, Takaichi appointed only two women to her 19‑member cabinet. Japan continues to rank poorly in global gender equality indices, with women under‑represented in government.

Known for her relentless work ethic, she has admitted to sleeping just two to four hours a night and once convened a staff meeting at 3am. Her lighter side was on display last month when she played K‑pop songs on the drums alongside South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung, a performance that drew widespread online praise.

With her coalition’s commanding majority, Takaichi now has the political strength to push forward her conservative agenda, balancing economic revival with a more assertive security posture in the Asia‑Pacific.

AFP