Takaichi Landslide: LDP Wins Historic Two-Thirds Majority in Japan Election
TOKYO — In a political earthquake that has reshaped the landscape of East Asia, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has secured a historic two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives. The decisive victory hands Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a massive mandate to push forward her conservative agenda, including controversial plans for constitutional revision.
The LDP’s triumph in Sunday’s general election marks the first time in postwar Japanese history that a single party has achieved such an overwhelming margin in the lower house. With this "super-majority," Takaichi now possesses the legislative muscle to bypass opposition in the upper house and enact sweeping changes to Japan’s defense and fiscal policies.
A Mandate for Change: The Two-Thirds Threshold
The LDP surged from its pre-election strength of 198 seats to cross the critical 310-seat threshold in the 465-member chamber. This landslide is widely attributed to the personal popularity of Prime Minister Takaichi, who took office only last October. By controlling two-thirds of the House of Representatives, the ruling coalition can now pass legislation even if it is rejected by the House of Councillors, where they remain in a minority.
“We bear an extremely heavy responsibility to focus on steadily delivering on the campaign pledges we have made,” Takaichi stated during a televised address following the victory. The Prime Minister also signaled stability in her governance, indicating she would largely maintain her current Cabinet lineup, which has enjoyed high public approval ratings since its launch four months ago.
The election results were a bruising blow for the newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance. The opposition group saw its presence halved, dropping from 167 seats to a mere shadow of its former self. Following the defeat, co-leaders Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito have both hinted at potential resignations.
Economic Relief and Defense: The Takaichi Doctrine
Campaigning amid prolonged inflation and a volatile international security environment, Takaichi’s "responsible yet aggressive" fiscal policy resonated with voters. A key pillar of her campaign was the promise of immediate economic relief for households. Takaichi has pledged to accelerate discussions on a two-year suspension of the 8 per cent consumption tax on food, a move designed to alleviate the pressure of rising living costs.
On the security front, the mandate allows the LDP to aggressively pursue strengthened defense capabilities. The LDP’s coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), also saw gains, reaching 35 seats. While the JIP opted not to take Cabinet posts, Takaichi has urged them to share responsibility in the coalition's broader legislative goals.
The election also saw the rise of smaller, niche political entities. The populist Sanseito party, running on a "Japanese First" platform, expanded its footprint from two seats to 13. Meanwhile, the digital-focused Team Mirai entered the lower house for the first time with nine seats, signaling a shift in how younger demographics are engaging with the political process.
Record Turnout Despite Winter Challenges
Despite the election being held in February for the first time in 36 years—a timing that drew criticism due to heavy snowfall hampering campaigns in many regions—voter engagement was remarkably high. Total turnout was estimated at 56.23 per cent, an increase of approximately two percentage points from the previous race.
Early voting saw a massive surge, with a record 27.02 million ballots cast—nearly six million more than in the 2024 election. This surge in participation provided the bedrock for Takaichi's decisive mandate, as citizens across 11 regional blocs turned out to shape the future of the world's fourth-largest economy.