Overview
- The ruling party captured 316 of 465 seats in the Lower House, a two‑thirds majority that lets it override the Upper House on key legislation.
- Takaichi prioritizes amending the pacifist constitution to formally recognize the Self‑Defense Forces and is pursuing a defense build‑up toward a 2% of GDP target.
- Her economic program features a two‑year freeze on the food tax with an estimated ¥5 trillion revenue hit, along with supplemental budgets, possible bond issuance, and state investment in 17 strategic sectors such as semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, biotech, and fusion energy.
- China’s Foreign Ministry, through spokesman Lin Jian, criticized her Taiwan comments and said engagement with Japan must be based on respect and adherence to prior understandings.
- Constitutional change still requires Upper House approval and a national referendum, with the 2028 Senate contests viewed as a pivotal test for finalizing revisions.