Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a sweeping victory in a snap election, paving the way for a significant shift in the country’s political direction. The win for Takaichi’s coalition, confirmed on Monday, February 9, 2026, positions her to enact a conservative agenda and potentially reshape Japan’s role on the global stage.
Takaichi addressed the public on Monday, stating that the Japanese people have demonstrated “understanding and sympathy for our appeals regarding the urgent need for a significant policy change.” She emphasized her commitment to strengthening and enriching Japan, acknowledging the “enormous responsibility” that comes with her position.
Thanks to Trump
The election results have been met with international attention, including support from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Just two days before the election, Trump described Takaichi as a “strong, powerful and smart leader” who “truly loves her country.” Takaichi acknowledged Trump’s “kind words” on election day via X, stating that the potential of the U.S.-Japan alliance is “limitless.”
The victory grants Takaichi considerable power. Having taken office in late October, she has yet to achieve major policy breakthroughs, with the budget for the upcoming fiscal year still undecided and inflation, driven by the weak yen, continuing to erode real incomes. However, her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has now surpassed the two-thirds majority threshold of 310 seats in parliament – a first for postwar Japan.
This supermajority empowers Takaichi to pursue her right-leaning agenda, push for constitutional amendments, and pass legislation even if opposed by the upper house, where the governing coalition remains in the minority.
Constitutional Revision Possible
A long-held goal of Takaichi’s – revising Article 9 of Japan’s constitution – now appears more attainable. The article, unchanged since 1947, renounces war and the use of force to settle international disputes. The potential for altering this foundational element of Japan’s postwar identity could have significant geopolitical implications.
“This election was about major political turning points – in particular, a fundamental change in economic and financial policy, as well as strengthening security policy,” Takaichi said in a television interview. She added that, now having public support, she must tackle these issues with all her strength.
Nikkei Reaches Record High
Takaichi announced plans to accelerate a review of suspending the 8 percent consumption tax on food, while maintaining fiscal sustainability. The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) welcomed the victory as a crucial step toward sustainable growth.
The victory spurred the Nikkei stock index to a record high, rising as much as 5.7 percent to 57,337.07 points on Monday, February 9, 2026, before settling at a gain of around four percent at 56,364. The yen also showed a cautious recovery after six consecutive days of losses.
State Debt Concerns
The substantial government spending already planned by Takaichi’s administration had previously caused some nervousness in financial markets. A stimulus package worth approximately 117 billion euros is intended to boost the Japanese economy. However, Japan’s debt-to-GDP ratio, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is more than double the country’s annual economic output. Investors are hoping for further stimulus programs from Takaichi’s government, though experts caution that additional measures could increase the debt ratio.
The “New York Times” reported that Takaichi is generally seen as a boon to the Japanese economy due to her long-standing support for low interest rates and large government spending to stimulate growth. She is expected to promote extensive government investment in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing.
Firm Stance Against China
In foreign policy, Takaichi is taking a firm stance against China. Despite current strained relations, she intends to keep dialogue channels with China open. “Precisely because there are concerns and challenges between Japan and China, communication is important. Japan is open to various forms of dialogue with China,” she said on Monday.
However, Takaichi is known for her tough political stance toward the People’s Republic of China. Shortly after taking office last November, she clashed with Beijing, stating that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would represent an “existential threat” to Japan, potentially leading to a military response.
Beijing responded with sharp criticism, canceled flight connections, and imposed an import ban on Japanese seafood. Rather than harming her election chances, her hardline approach toward Japan’s geopolitical rival increased Takaichi’s popularity.
Regarding security policy, Takaichi favors closer ties with the United States. She announced on Monday that she will visit the United States next month to discuss global challenges with President Trump in March.
