Tokyo, Japan – Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has secured a sweeping victory in Sunday’s parliamentary election, gaining a two-thirds majority in the lower house. According to projections from NHK public television and other major networks, the LDP alone has secured around 300 seats, ensuring a continuation of Takaichi’s administration.
The LDP, in coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), is expected to hold at least 310 of the 465 seats in the House of Representatives. This supermajority grants the ruling bloc the power to override votes in the upper house, where the LDP and JIP are in the minority and even to propose revisions to Japan’s constitution. The victory significantly exceeds Prime Minister Takaichi’s initial target of a simple majority.
The outcome represents a substantial endorsement of Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October 2025, and her party’s platform. While the LDP’s popularity has faced challenges in recent years, Takaichi herself enjoys considerable support, particularly among younger voters. The election results suggest a degree of personal appeal that transcends broader party sentiment.
In contrast, the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA) suffered a significant defeat, projected to lose roughly half of its 172 seats. Party leaders have acknowledged the disappointing results, stating a need for introspection and a reassessment of their strategies. Smaller opposition parties, Sanseito and Team Mirai, are expected to make gains, though not enough to challenge the LDP’s dominance.
The election took place against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions in East Asia, particularly concerning Taiwan. Prime Minister Takaichi has taken a firm stance on the issue, stating last November that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could be considered an existential threat to Japan, potentially triggering the invocation of Japan’s right to collective self-defense under a 2015 law. This position has drawn criticism from Beijing.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has already congratulated Takaichi on her victory, expressing hope for continued prosperity and security for both nations and the wider region. This exchange underscores the close relationship between Japan and Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic recognition.
Analysts anticipate that the LDP’s substantial majority will lead to significant policy shifts, particularly in the areas of defense and immigration. Takaichi has pledged to strengthen Japan’s military capabilities and increase defense spending, responding to growing concerns about regional security. She also advocates for stricter immigration policies, a stance that resonates with conservative voters but has raised concerns among human rights organizations.
With a two-thirds majority, the ruling coalition will have greater control over parliamentary committees, streamlining the legislative process and facilitating the passage of key bills, including the annual budget. This level of control allows for a more assertive agenda, potentially accelerating reforms in areas such as economic policy and social welfare.
The victory also positions the LDP to potentially revise the Japanese constitution, a long-held goal of the party. Any constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament and subsequent approval in a national referendum. While amending the constitution remains a complex and politically sensitive undertaking, the LDP’s strengthened position significantly increases the possibility of revisiting this issue.
The election results also come amid ongoing discussions about economic policy, particularly regarding the consumption tax. Most parties, including the LDP, have campaigned for a reduction in the tax, with proposals ranging from eliminating the tax on food items to lowering the overall rate to 5 percent. Prime Minister Takaichi has indicated her intention to establish a cross-party forum to accelerate discussions on this issue.
The scale of the LDP’s victory suggests a period of political stability for Japan, allowing Prime Minister Takaichi to pursue her policy agenda with a strong mandate. However, the opposition’s struggles also highlight the challenges facing alternative political forces in Japan, and the need for a robust and effective check on the ruling party’s power.
The official results from the election commission are still pending, but the projections from NHK and other media outlets paint a clear picture of a decisive victory for the LDP and a continuation of its long-standing dominance in Japanese politics. The coming months will be crucial in determining how the ruling coalition translates its electoral success into concrete policy changes and navigates the complex challenges facing Japan both domestically and internationally.
