Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition swept to a historic election win Sunday, giving her control of 352 seats in the lower house and a two-thirds supermajority with coalition partner the Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin.
The result delivers 316 seats to Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party, the party’s largest post-war showing, and positions her to advance tax cuts and military spending plans aimed at countering China. Despite its name, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party is broadly aligned with U.S.-style conservative policies on taxes, defense, and national security.
Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, said the election represented “major policy shifts — particularly a major shift in economic and fiscal policy, as well as strengthening security policy,” adding, “If we have received the public’s support, then we truly must tackle these issues with all our strength.” Takaichi called the rare winter snap election to capitalize on high personal approval ratings since becoming leader of the LDP last year.
President Trump congratulated Takaichi on social media, calling her victory “bold and wise” and praising her Conservative, Peace Through Strength agenda. Takaichi is scheduled to visit the White House next month. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also praised the win, calling it “the biggest post-war electoral margin in Japanese history” and highlighting the Prime Minister’s strong relationship with the United States.
