The ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Japan, led by the first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, secured 316 seats in the parliament out of 465, marking the best result in its history.
In the early elections for the House of Representatives (the lower house) of the Japanese parliament, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi won. This was reported on Sunday, February 8, by the Japanese television channel NHK, citing exit poll data. As clarified by Reuters, the LDP secured 316 seats in the parliament out of 465, marking the best result in its history and a significant victory for 64-year-old Sanae Takaichi.
1,284 candidates participated in the elections
The first female Prime Minister of Japan previously insisted on holding early elections to take advantage of her high popularity since being appointed as the head of the ruling party at the end of 2025.
A total of 1,284 candidates participated in the elections. They competed for 289 seats determined through voting in single-member districts, as well as for 176 seats that will be allocated based on party lists.
Sanae Takaichi - Japan's "Iron Lady" with ties to Trump
64-year-old Sanae Takaichi was appointed Prime Minister of Japan in October 2025. This followed the voluntary resignation of Shigeru Ishiba, the former leader of the LDP. His departure from office, according to journalists, was linked to the party's defeat in the 2024 elections and an impending split within the LDP.
Takaichi is known for her right-wing views, being described as a hardline conservative, a nationalist, and a political heir to Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, after leaving office as Prime Minister. Previously, Takaichi served twice as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Upon taking office as head of government, Sanae Takaichi promised to review Japan's security and defense policy, 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. Additionally, Takaichi advocates for stricter legislation regarding migrants in Japan.
Takaichi also admires former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and refers to herself as Japan's "Iron Lady." After assuming office, she managed to establish close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and faced criticism from the People's Republic of China for her remarks about a potential attack from mainland China on Taiwan.
