British News Agency

According to exit polls by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to win between 274 and 328 of the 465 seats, well above the 233 needed to regain the majority it lost in 2024. NHK also projected a supermajority for the LDP and its junior coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, which would ease Takaichi’s legislative agenda.

Elections for the lower house of parliament were held on a freezing day, with heavy snowfall again affecting many parts of the country.

Takaichi, who called an early election shortly after becoming Japan’s first female prime minister last autumn, had pledged to resign if her coalition failed to secure a simple majority.

However, concerns remain about how Japan manages its public finances and its ability to resolve a sharp dispute with China over Taiwan’s future.

Takaichi sought to appeal to voters with a $135 billion stimulus package aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis and later promised to suspend the 8% consumption (sales) tax on food for two years, resulting in an annual revenue loss of 5 trillion yen ($30 billion).

The spending plans rattled financial markets and triggered currency volatility, prompting some commentators to question the approach given that Japan’s debt exceeds twice its GDP, the heaviest debt burden among advanced economies.

Speaking after post-election polls showed her party heading for victory, Takaichi said: “We have consistently emphasized the importance of responsible and proactive fiscal policy. We will prioritize fiscal sustainability. We will provide the necessary investments. Both the public and private sectors must invest. We will build a strong and resilient economy.”