Millions in Japan are voting in a snap election called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, whose coalition is predicted to clinch a decisive win.
Just months after she was elected by lawmakers, Takaichi decided to go to the polls to seek the public's mandate.
Polls show her Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) coalition with the populist Japanese Innovation Party could bag up to 300 of the 465 seats in the Lower House, marking a turnaround for the LDP which lost control of both chambers of Japan's parliament last year.
The conservative leader has won over some voters by offering tax cuts and subsidies, but critics say these will deal a heavy blow to Japan's sluggish economy.
Nearly 4.6 million people had cast early ballots as of a week ago, down 2.5% from the previous election in 2024, with the decline attributed to heavy snow in the northern and western regions.
Observers say Takaichi's personal popularity may help boost the LDP's showing in this election. Despite traditional views on gender and family, Takaichi has proven especially popular among young voters between the ages of 18 and 30, with approval ratings for her government hovering above 70% since she assumed office in October.
However, the snap election poses a significant gamble for Takaichi as her party now faces a more unified opposition. The LDP's former longtime coalition partner Komeito has allied with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, forming the largest opposition bloc in the Lower House.
With Takaichi's government needing to convince voters that spending-heavy measures won't exacerbate Japan's financial fragility, the outcome of this election remains uncertain.
