Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's party secures landslide election victory

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's coalition swept to a historic election win on Sunday, paving the way for promised tax cuts that have spooked financial markets and military spending aimed at countering China. The conservative Ms Takaichi, who said she was inspired by Britain's "Iron Lady", Margaret Thatcher, was projected to deliver as many as 328 of the 465 seats in parliament's lower house for her Liberal Democratic Party. The lower house of Japan’s Parliament has 465 seats, out of which, the LDP alone won 316 seats by early Monday and surpassed the majority mark of 261 seats by emerging as the single largest party. With this resounding victory, the party has broken the record of 300 seats won by Japan’s former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone in 1986. The number also marks a record since the party’s inception in 1955.

Japan's first female PM wins a landslide

Sanae Takaichi's LDP set for 300+ of 465 seats in a snap election just 3 months

Voters braved snowstorms as 40% of polling stations closed early

Heavy metal drummer and biker ecame Japan's most popular leader via Sanamania youth wave pic.twitter.com/rjUwJTWB7n

— Boi Agent One (@boiagentone) February 8, 2026

"This election involved major policy shifts — particularly a major shift in economic and fiscal policy, as well as strengthening security policy," Ms Takaichi said in a television interview as the results rolled in. "These are policies that have drawn a great deal of opposition. If we have received the public's support then we truly must tackle these issues with all our strength." MsTakaichi, 64, called the rare winter snap election to capitalise on her buoyant personal approval ratings since she was elevated to lead the long-ruling LDP late last year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi on her "landmark victory" in the elections to the House of Representatives. "Congratulations Sanae Takaichi on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives," Modi said in a post on X. The prime minister said India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing global peace, stability and prosperity. "I am confident that under your able leadership, we will continue to take the India-Japan friendship to greater heights," Modi said.
As per local media report, with this win, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi approval rating has reached a record breaking 75%. That is higher than the European leaders of France, Germany & Britain combined!.