Tokyo, Feb 9, (V7N) – Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has scored a historic victory, with projections showing it securing a two-thirds majority in Japan’s lower house for the first time.

If confirmed, the result gives Takaichi, 64, a powerful mandate to pursue her conservative agenda, including boosting defense spending, tightening immigration, and potentially revising Japan’s constitution. The win also cements her position as Japan’s first female premier, less than four months after taking office.

Financial markets reacted positively, with the Nikkei index surging five percent to a record high, buoyed by expectations of fiscal stimulus alongside accommodative interest rates. Takaichi pledged “responsible and proactive fiscal policy,” balancing investment with sustainability despite Japan’s heavy debt burden.

Her victory comes amid heightened regional tensions. Takaichi has taken a hard line on China, angering Beijing with remarks about Taiwan shortly after assuming office. Analysts suggest her strengthened position may allow her to ease tensions while focusing on domestic priorities.

Local media reported the LDP won around 316 of 465 seats, surpassing the 310-seat threshold for a two-thirds majority. Together with its coalition partner, the bloc is expected to hold 352 seats.

The landslide marks a dramatic turnaround for the LDP, which had faced declining support in recent years. Takaichi, once on the party’s ultra-conservative fringe and a self-professed admirer of Margaret Thatcher, has energized younger voters with her unconventional image, including her past as a heavy metal drummer.

Observers say her challenge now will be to deliver on economic promises and manage Japan’s delicate foreign relations, particularly with China and the United States.

END/WD/RH/