Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called a snap election in Japan, taking a calculated gamble to secure a decisive win for her coalition, comprised of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japanese Innovation Party, which polls suggest could gain up to 300 seats in the Lower House. Takaichi, who was elected by lawmakers only months ago, has managed to capture public attention with her policies and leadership style, appealing particularly to young voters drawn to her as Japan’s first female prime minister in a traditionally male-dominated political arena. Despite challenges from a unified opposition and a backdrop of past LDP scandals, Takaichi’s popularity remains buoyant, partly due to her strong alignment with US President Donald Trump, which underscores a diplomatic pivot aimed at fortifying ties with the US amidst escalating tensions with China.
Japan holds snap election as PM Takaichi’s LDP seeks mandate
