Overview
- Voting is underway in a rare winter snap lower‑house election called just over two weeks after dissolution.
- Multiple polls from Nikkei, Asahi and Kyodo project the LDP–Japan Innovation alliance winning more than 300 of 465 seats, with a possible two‑thirds that would enable lower‑house overrides.
- Sanae Takaichi has vowed to resign if her coalition fails to secure a majority in the chamber.
- Heavy snowfall in northern and eastern regions has lowered early turnout and could hinder access to polling stations and delay counting.
- The campaign highlights a conservative platform on defense expansion, tighter immigration rules and fiscal relief, as President Trump endorses Takaichi and schedules a March 19 White House meeting.