Japan's First Female Prime Minister Bets on Popularity in Snap Election

Mon Feb 09 2026 00:53:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, faces a critical snap election that tests her popularity and leadership as she aims to secure a clear mandate for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Japan will conduct its second general election in two years on Sunday, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Takaichi, who has enjoyed a surge in popularity since taking office, is betting her political capital on this snap election after a prior attempt by her predecessor ended in failure. With the ruling party's approval ratings rising, attention turns to whether Takaichi can translate her popularity into a decisive victory amidst voter concerns around cost-of-living and national defense issues.

Japan heads to the polls again on Sunday for its second general election in as many years. The snap vote has caught the ruling party, the opposition, and much of the electorate off guard.

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, is betting on her personal popularity, hoping to succeed where her party failed just last year: delivering a clear public mandate for the long-ruling but deeply unpopular Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

This election marks a significant gamble - one her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, made and lost significantly. Voters will now decide whether Takaichi's higher approval ratings will foster better outcomes.

Analysts note that Takaichi's approval ratings have been considerably higher than her predecessors. Rintaro Nishimura suggests that high approval typically prompts calls for elections. Since taking office in October, she has dominated headlines primarily through political performance rather than legislation.

Her energetic approach has resonated with voters, especially as she engages in high-profile diplomatic visits, including a notable reception of Donald Trump shortly after taking office. Just days before the election, Trump endorsed her leadership as strong and capable.

Public sentiment appears mostly positive, bolstered by Takaichi's appeal among younger voters who have taken a shine to her style and presence. However, the election has faced criticism for its timing, with opposition parties asserting that it complicates urgent issues like inflation measures while imposing administrative burdens on local electors.

Despite the LDP's past scandals, Takaichi's strategy has kept her party afloat. According to recent polls, her party could secure more than the necessary majority, allowing them to govern effectively. However, concerns about rising costs and the economy loom large as Takaichi and the LDP prepare for the implications of the vote.

Yet, her aggressive posture towards national defense and strained relations with China has garnered mixed reactions domestically, which could affect her long-term prospects. Observers remain wary of economic challenges that the new government may face ahead, suggesting that while a win may come easily, maintaining support may prove complex in the volatile political landscape.