Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
4d ago

Japan Votes in Snap Lower House Election Testing Takaichi's Mandate

Heavy snow is expected to depress turnout, potentially magnifying organized voting blocs.

Japan's Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Sanae Takaichi, speaks during an election campaign event ahead of the February 8 snap election, in Tokyo, Japan, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Image Source: X
Image
Image

Overview

  • Polling stations opened for a nationwide vote to fill 465 seats, with 289 chosen in single-member districts and 176 by proportional representation, and broadcasters set to issue projections when polls close at 8 p.m.
  • Pre-election surveys point to the LDP–Japan Innovation Party coalition winning more than 300 seats, with 310 seats enabling overrides of the opposition-controlled upper chamber.
  • Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to resign if the ruling coalition fails to retain a majority.
  • Takaichi's platform centers on higher defense spending, economic stimulus, and a two-year suspension of the 8% sales tax on food.
  • Forecasts of up to about 70 centimeters of snowfall risk lowering turnout, a dynamic that could boost mobilized groups such as Soka Gakkai-linked networks as parties urge early voting and arrange rides to polling sites.