Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi Secures Supermajority in Rare Winter Snap Election

Japan held a rare winter snap election on February 8, 2026, where Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, secured a decisive victory. The coalition is projected to win between 302 and 366 of the 465 lower house seats, achieving a two-thirds supermajority. This win strengthens Takaichi's mandate to pursue economic stimulus, tax cuts, and increased defense spending amid rising tensions with China. Despite heavy snowfall affecting turnout, voters showed strong support, especially among younger demographics. Takaichi pledged to resign if the coalition failed to secure a majority. The election outcome is expected to impact Japan's fiscal policy and international relations, including ties with the United States and India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating Takaichi on her victory.