In a dramatic turn for Japanese politics, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, Ishin, have scored a landslide victory in the 2026 snap Lower House election. According to exit polls by NHK, the coalition is projected to win between 302 and 366 seats — far surpassing the 233 needed for a simple majority, and securing the two-thirds supermajority (310 seats) required to override the opposition-controlled upper house on major legislation.
The result is a resounding endorsement of Takaichi’s high-stakes gamble. After recent scandals and party infighting, she called the snap election hoping her own popularity could restore the public’s trust and expand her mandate. Sunday’s vote, marked by freezing winter weather, saw a strong turnout from younger voters, some swept up in what’s been dubbed “Sanamania.” The far-right Sanseito party, promising to put “Japanese first,” was projected to win up to 14 seats—quadrupling its previous presence, but still well short of its 30-seat target.
Market Reaction and International Response
Financial markets responded briskly to the result. The yen held its gains against the dollar, stocks climbed, and bonds fell during Takaichi’s post-election press conference. Investors appeared reassured by the clarity of the outcome and the expectation that Takaichi will move forward with her fiscal expansion agenda for the world’s fourth-largest economy, including tackling Japan’s aging population, the rising cost of living, and the ongoing weakness of the yen.
World leaders lined up to congratulate Takaichi. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump both sent messages of support, with U.S. Ambassador George Edward Glass praising her “impressive win” and highlighting hopes for closer bilateral ties. Trump’s open endorsement was unusual—sitting U.S. presidents rarely weigh in on foreign elections—but it underscored the significance of Japan’s political direction. Relations with China, however, remain fraught, especially after Takaichi’s outspoken remarks on Taiwan, which have drawn praise from nationalists at home and criticism abroad.
What’s Next for Takaichi’s Government?
Takaichi’s supermajority now gives her government sweeping power to advance legislation, even when the upper house resists. With this new mandate, expectations are high for real movement on economic reforms and Japan’s diplomatic challenges. Takaichi, who took the helm after Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation last year, now faces the test of converting electoral momentum into policy breakthroughs—while keeping her party’s fresh credibility intact.
