Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi secures landslide victory in snap elections; PM Modi congratulates her

Japan's 'Iron Lady' Takaichi forges stunning election win

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition secures a historic win in Sunday’s snap elections, paving the way for her agenda of tax cuts and increased military spending amid rising tensions with China. The victory strengthens her legislative hold and positions her to implement major policy shifts.

PM Narendra Modi congratulated Takaichi, "Congratulations Sanae Takaichi on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives! Our 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."

Congratulations Sanae Takaichi on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives! Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2026

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister and often compared to Britain’s “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher, led the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a projected 328 of the 465 seats in the lower house, according to national broadcaster NHK.

The LDP alone crossed the 233-seat threshold needed for a majority shortly after polls closed. Combined with coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), the alliance is expected to hold a supermajority, giving Takaichi the ability to override opposition in the upper chamber.

“This election involved major policy shifts, particularly a major shift in economic and fiscal policy, as well as strengthening security policy,” Takaichi said in a television interview. “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.”

Takaichi thanked US President Donald Trump for his endorsement on social media, writing, “I look forward to visiting the White House this spring and to continuing our work together to further strengthen the Japan–U.S. Alliance. The potential of our Alliance is LIMITLESS.”

The snap election was called in mid-winter, marking only the third postwar parliamentary vote held in February, in an effort to capitalize on Takaichi’s high approval ratings since taking over LDP leadership late last year.

Despite record snowfall and disruptions in transportation, voters turned out in large numbers, with many drawn to her image as a decisive, hardworking leader. “It feels like she’s creating a sense of direction, like the whole country is pulling together and moving forward,” said Kazushige Cho, a teacher from Niigata prefecture.

Takaichi’s promise to suspend the 8% sales tax on food to ease household burdens has unsettled investors, given Japan’s high national debt. She assured voters that the government would move quickly to implement the measure while maintaining fiscal sustainability.

The election also underscored growing public support for her nationalistic and security-oriented policies, reflecting concerns over China’s regional influence. Analysts say the supermajority provides Takaichi a rare opportunity to advance both domestic and foreign policy goals with minimal resistance, further cementing her position in Japan’s political landscape.