Residents across Japan faced heavy snowfall as they headed to the polls in a snap election called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The vote, a rare mid-winter contest not seen in 36 years, comes shortly after Takaichi secured the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Polls suggest the LDP, in coalition with the populist Japanese Innovation Party, could win up to 300 of the 465 seats in the Lower House. The election marks a comeback for the LDP, which lost its parliamentary majority amid corruption scandals and rising costs.
Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, has gained popularity by promising tax cuts and subsidies, appealing particularly to younger voters aged 18–30.
Her approval ratings have stayed above 70% since taking office in October, boosted further by a strong social media presence. Campaign videos featuring Takaichi were streamed over 100 million times in less than 10 days, and the trend “sanakatsu” or “Sanae-mania” has made her an unlikely fashion icon.
Despite her popularity, challenges remain for the LDP. Many of its candidates are men linked to past scandals, and voter turnout for early voting dropped slightly to nearly 4.6 million, a decline attributed to severe snow. Across the country, transport was heavily affected: 37 train lines and 58 ferry routes were closed, and 54 flights cancelled.
Takaichi’s political approach, inspired by former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, emphasizes strong defense, nationalist policies, and closer ties with the United States.
Her comments on Taiwan, suggesting Japan could respond militarily if China attacked, have worsened relations with Beijing. Meanwhile, she has received a rare public endorsement from former US President Donald Trump.
Analysts warn that while Takaichi’s personal appeal is strong, economic concerns – such as rising debt, weak productivity, and stagnant wages could influence voter decisions. The opposition has also become more unified, with former coalition partner Komeito joining the Constitutional Democratic Party to form a significant bloc in the Lower House.
