Japanese voters are preparing for a pivotal snap election this weekend, called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has made history as Japan’s first female prime minister since her induction in October last year. This election not only tests her nascent leadership but also aims to extend the influence of her party, the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in the lower house of parliament.
Scheduled for Sunday, February 8, the election will involve all 465 seats in the House of Representatives, with over 1,200 candidates vying for votes, as reported by NHK World. Registered voters in Japan number approximately 105 million, and already, more than 4.5 million individuals have participated in early voting, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
The primary concern for voters revolves around the rising cost of living. As consumer prices continue to climb, real wages are falling behind inflation, leading to diminished purchasing power for many households. Economic growth remains sluggish, with the country experiencing a mere 1.1 percent growth last year and projected growth of only 0.7 percent by 2026, as outlined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). To address these economic challenges, parties are proposing various strategies, such as altering the consumption tax and revising income tax rates. The governing LDP aims to stimulate the economy, while opposition parties advocate for increased welfare and reforms, including deregulation from the Japan Innovation Party.
Another critical issue in this election is the role of foreign residents in Japan, whose numbers reached over 2.5 million in 2025. Foreigners play a vital role in filling labor shortages in an increasingly aging society, but their presence also prompts tensions with conservative voters concerned about changes to Japan’s traditional demographic landscape. The LDP supports a selective immigration policy aimed at addressing specific labor gaps, while tightening regulations around immigration.
The stakes for the LDP in this election are high. Despite having led Japan for decades since World War II, the party has faced significant electoral setbacks due to various corruption scandals. These challenges include allegations of misusing campaign funds and internal party conflicts, which have undermined its authority. Takaichi’s high approval rating and her position as prime minister hinge on the outcome of this election and the opportunity to regain a solid mandate in parliament.
Should the LDP achieve success, it would provide Takaichi with the necessary support to advance her agenda focused on economic reform and enhancing Japan’s defense capabilities. Additionally, she aims to revise Japan’s pacifist constitution—an unprecedented step—amidst growing security concerns regarding potential conflicts involving China, the US, and Taiwan. Her assertion that a Chinese military action against Taiwan would pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan demonstrates her commitment to a more proactive defense posture.
As Japan prepares for this consequential election, voters are not only determining the future of their leadership but also the direction the country will take in addressing economic issues and national security challenges. The outcome will significantly shape Japan’s political landscape and Takaichi’s legacy.