Japanese voters are casting ballots on Sunday in snap elections widely expected to solidify the position of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a conservative leader backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Polling stations opened Sunday morning, with initial projections anticipated shortly after they close at 8:00 PM local time (11:00 GMT).
Takaichi, 64, made history in October as Japan’s first female prime minister, and called the snap election in an effort to capitalize on initial approval ratings. Opinion polls consistently suggest the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Takaichi, is poised to win more than the 233 seats needed for a majority in the 465-member House of Representatives, potentially securing a comfortable parliamentary majority.
During a rally in Tokyo on Saturday, Takaichi pledged to make Japan “more prosperous and more secure,” echoing the rhetoric of Margaret Thatcher, a political figure she admires. She committed to stimulating economic growth and tightening immigration criteria, stating that measures had already been strengthened “so that terrorists, but also industrial spies, cannot enter easily.”
The election comes after the collapse of a long-standing coalition between the LDP and Komeito, leading to a new alliance with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin). This new coalition currently holds a one-seat majority, bolstered by independent support.
Takaichi’s decision to call a snap election surprised some within her own party, as observers had anticipated the government would first pass the 2026 budget by March. She framed the election as a direct mandate from the Japanese people, asking whether they trusted her to lead the country. Despite a recent slight dip, her government maintains approval ratings around 70%, significantly higher than previous administrations.
The timing of the election also comes amid fluctuating economic conditions. The yen this week fell to a near two-week low, signaling economic distress that could influence the outcome. The campaign has largely focused on economic issues, with Takaichi promising to “push the button on growth.”
Internationally, Takaichi has cultivated a close relationship with former President Trump, meeting with him in Japan shortly after taking office in October. Trump publicly endorsed Takaichi in recent days, describing her as a “strong, powerful, and wise leader” who “really loves her country” and expressing his eagerness to host her at the White House on March 19th.
Her strong stance on immigration appears to have overshadowed the populist “Sanseito” party, which also campaigned on a “Japanese first” platform. According to Mikitaka Masuyama, a professor of Japanese politics at the National Institute for Policy Studies, Takaichi’s language is “easy to understand,” contrasting with the more academic style of her predecessors.
The election is being closely watched for its potential implications for Japan’s foreign policy and security posture. Takaichi has signaled a commitment to strengthening Japan’s alliance with the United States while simultaneously bolstering its own defense capabilities, particularly in light of growing regional tensions with China and North Korea, and a perceived shift in U.S. Foreign policy priorities. She is reportedly interested in maintaining a strong U.S. Alliance while hedging against the possibility of diminished American reliability.
The outcome of Sunday’s election will likely determine the direction of Japan’s economic and security policies for the foreseeable future, as Takaichi seeks to consolidate her power and implement her right-wing agenda.
