Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a resounding electoral mandate after her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies scored a landslide victory in elections to the House of Representatives, reinforcing conservative dominance in Japanese politics and consolidating her leadership.
Preliminary results showed the LDP capturing a commanding majority in the 465-member lower house, with the ruling bloc crossing the two-thirds mark required for a supermajority. The outcome marks one of the party’s strongest showings in decades and restores parliamentary authority after earlier setbacks, giving Takaichi significant legislative leverage.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition won a landslide election victory, paving the way for her planned tax cuts that unsettled financial markets and increased military spending aimed at countering China https://t.co/QKK1ISqsAd pic.twitter.com/68ES2pRHfg
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 8, 2026
The snap election, called shortly after she assumed office, was widely seen as a test of public confidence in her leadership. The emphatic victory is being interpreted as voter backing for her economic and national security agenda, including plans for fiscal stimulus, tax relief on essential goods, and expanded defence capabilities.
Financial markets responded swiftly to the outcome, with equities rising on expectations of policy continuity and decisive governance, even as analysts flagged concerns over fiscal expansion in an already debt-laden economy.
The opposition, divided and unable to present a unified challenge, suffered heavy losses, allowing the ruling coalition to dominate the electoral landscape. With enhanced numbers in the lower chamber, Takaichi now has greater scope to push through key legislation and shape Japan’s strategic direction amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Modi Congratulates Takaichi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her election victory, underscoring the importance of the India–Japan partnership. In a social media message, Modi said the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations plays a vital role in strengthening global peace, stability, and prosperity. He expressed confidence that Takaichi’s leadership would take bilateral ties and cooperation to greater heights.
Congratulations Sanae Takaichi on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives!
Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2026
The sweeping mandate not only strengthens Takaichi’s domestic position but also signals continuity in Tokyo’s global engagement, with partners closely watching how her government advances economic reforms and security priorities in the coming months.
