A poster of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi displayed on the Liberal Democratic Celebration’s headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. Photographer: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg by way of Getty Photos
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Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Celebration has possible strengthened its majority within the nation’s Decrease Home, with the LDP capturing between 274 and 328 within the 465 seat chamber, in response to an early projection by broadcaster NHK.
This was broadly in keeping with what polls had instructed, with Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun predicting that the LDP and its coalition accomplice, the Japan Innovation Celebration would safe extra then 300 seats within the Decrease Home.
Individuals trudged by way of heavy snow in a number of components of the nation to forged their votes.
Earlier than parliament was dissolved, the LDP-JIP coalition held a mixed 230 seats, and with three independents voting with the LDP, this successfully gave the ruling coalition a one seat majority within the chamber.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the Decrease Home on Jan. 23, a transfer that was seen as an try and shortly strengthen the ruling coalition’s place within the chamber by capitalizing on her excessive public approval rankings.
Polls compiled by Japanese media outlet Nippon.com confirmed that Takaichi stays fashionable heading into the election, though her assist has slipped barely within the current weeks.
The outlet reported that only one home ballot in January indicated greater than 70% assist, in comparison with three in December, whereas six polls confirmed assist within the 60% vary, up from 4 within the earlier month.
The election comes amid heightened tensions between Japan and China, in addition to persistent issues over the yen’s weak point and inflation within the nation.
Japan has endured inflation above the Financial institution of Japan’s goal for 45 consecutive months, declining actual wages and protracted yen weak point.
The newest inflation studying stood at 2.1%, whereas full-year inflation reached 3.2%. Actual wages fell for 11 consecutive months year-on-year in 2025, and on a yearly foundation, actual wages have fallen yearly since 2022.
The yen weakened additional initially of 2026, briefly approaching the 160 stage towards the U.S. greenback. Whereas a weaker forex advantages exporters, it has additionally amplified imported inflation.
Takaichi had earlier laid out a report $783 billion price range for the following fiscal yr beginning April 1, on prime of a $135 billion stimulus package deal launched final yr to assist households with rising residing prices.
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