Tokyo, Japan – In a landslide victory that has sent ripples through Japanese politics and raised concerns about the nation’s future security posture, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured an unprecedented majority in Wednesday’s Lower House election. The LDP alone captured 316 seats, surpassing the 310 needed to initiate constitutional revisions – a key plank of Takaichi’s platform.
While the LDP’s coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), added another 36 seats, bringing the total ruling bloc to 352, the real significance lies in the LDP’s ability to act independently. This marks the first time since the end of World War II that a single party has held such a commanding majority in the Lower House, according to reports.
The election outcome represents a significant endorsement of Takaichi’s strategy, enacted after dissolving the Lower House last month. Facing a narrow majority and political instability, Takaichi gambled on a snap election, declaring she would seek a mandate directly from the Japanese people. Her gamble appears to have paid off, bolstering her government’s authority and paving the way for legislative initiatives previously stalled in the Upper House.
However, the path to constitutional reform is not yet clear. The Upper House remains a hurdle, with the LDP and Ishin not currently holding a majority. The next Upper House election is scheduled for 2028.
The prospect of constitutional revision is fueling anxieties both domestically and internationally. Takaichi, known for her conservative and nationalist views, has repeatedly advocated for amending Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which renounces war and prohibits maintaining a military. She has argued for explicitly recognizing the legitimacy of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
During the campaign, Takaichi emphasized the need to revise the constitution to reflect the changing geopolitical landscape and address growing security threats. The LDP also pledged to strengthen defense capabilities through measures including revising key security documents, increasing defense spending, easing restrictions on arms exports and establishing a National Security Council.
A successful revision of Article 9 would effectively allow Japan to develop a full-fledged military, a move long sought by right-wing factions within the LDP and viewed with concern by neighboring countries. Critics fear it could reignite regional tensions and alter the delicate balance of power in East Asia.
Takaichi’s victory also raises questions about her stance on historical issues. She has previously described the Yasukuni Shrine – a controversial site honoring war criminals alongside war dead – as a “precious place” and indicated her intention to facilitate visits to the shrine, a move likely to further strain relations with China and South Korea.
Despite the clear mandate, the LDP faces the challenge of navigating the Upper House, where it lacks a majority. The party will need to build consensus and potentially seek support from opposition parties to pass constitutional amendments. The Centrist Reform Alliance, the largest opposition bloc, is projected to lose more than half of its current 167 seats, further consolidating the LDP’s dominance but potentially creating a more fragmented opposition landscape.
The scale of the LDP’s victory allows it to override Upper House vetoes on legislation through re-submission, significantly enhancing its legislative power. This means that even if the Upper House rejects a bill, the Lower House can re-approve it with a two-thirds majority, effectively enacting it into law.
The election results are likely to have far-reaching implications for Japan’s foreign policy, defense strategy, and regional role. The international community will be closely watching Takaichi’s next moves as she seeks to implement her vision for a stronger, more assertive Japan.
On Sunday, prior to the confirmation of the election results, Takaichi abruptly cancelled a scheduled television debate appearance, citing a “hand injury” sustained during campaign activities. She stated she had been experiencing rheumatoid arthritis and that shaking hands with supporters had aggravated the condition.
