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Takaichi’s LDP Secures Two-Thirds Lower-House Majority in Snap Election

The outcome gives Japan’s first female prime minister a mandate for tax relief and defense expansion, stirring investor unease and Chinese pushback.

Overview

  • NHK vote counts show the LDP won 316 of 465 seats, with its Ishin partner lifting the bloc to about 352, confirming a commanding majority.
  • The total surpasses the two‑thirds threshold, enabling the ruling camp to drive legislation through the lower house without opposition support.
  • Takaichi has proposed suspending the 8% sales tax on food and backing large stimulus, drawing market concern over Japan’s heavy debt, bond yields and the yen.
  • Her agenda includes higher defense spending and looser export rules after remarks on Taiwan last year prompted Chinese restrictions on seafood imports, rare earths and travel.
  • President Trump endorsed Takaichi before the vote and congratulated her afterward, with India’s Narendra Modi also sending greetings as heavy snowfall forced some polling sites to close early.