Early elections are being held in Japan following the dissolution of parliament
8 February 13:18
On Sunday, February 8, Japan is holding nationwide early parliamentary elections. Analysts predict victory for the local national conservatives, led by the country’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, according to "Komersant Ukrainian", citing DW.
At the time of publication, the vote was proceeding without reports of significant violations or related incidents. At the same time, record snowfalls occurred in northern Japan shortly before the election, which could complicate the voting process and vote counting in some areas.
Pre-election polls show that the coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Takaichi, and the Japan Innovation Party could win up to 300 of the 465 seats in parliament. The LDP alone could achieve a simple majority, which would be a significant step forward for the party after its defeat in the 2024 parliamentary elections in Japan.
Despite the creation of a new centrist alliance and the rise of far-right forces, the Japanese opposition is considered too fragmented to pose a real threat to the conservatives in the ruling coalition, according to the Associated Press.
Takai uses her popularity to improve the LDP’s position
The early parliamentary elections in Japan became known in mid-February, when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the dissolution of parliament. This was preceded by a split in the ruling coalition: the center-right Komeito party refused to cooperate with the LDP and the conservative-neoliberal Japan Restoration Party. Despite its name, analysts classify the LDP as national conservatives.
Takai is extremely popular as a politician in Japan and has made no secret of her desire to use her personal popularity to improve the LDP’s position in parliament. According to her, early parliamentary elections should show whether citizens are ready to entrust her with the leadership of the country. “If the LDP fails to win a majority, I will resign,” the politician promised.
Sanae Takaichi is Japan’s “iron lady” who maintains ties with Trump
64-year-old Sanae Takaichi was appointed Prime Minister of Japan in October 2025. This was preceded by the voluntary resignation of Shigeru Ishiba, the previous leader of the LDP. According to journalists, his dismissal was linked to the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections and the looming split in the LDP.
Takai is known for her right-wing views and is described as a staunch conservative, nationalist, and political heir to Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022 after stepping down as prime minister. Takai previously served twice as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Upon taking office, Takai promised to review Japan’s security and defense policies, strengthen the country’s offensive military capabilities, lift the ban on arms exports, and generally move away from the pacifist principles that Japan has adhered to since World War II. In addition, Takai is lobbying for tougher Japanese legislation on migrants.
Takai also admires former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and calls herself Japan’s “Iron Lady.” After taking office, she managed to establish close ties with US President Donald Trump.
