Takaichi Lands Historic Win, Markets and Crypto Eye Policy Shifts

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a historic landslide in the February 8, 2026 snap parliamentary elections, with the Liberal Democratic Party projected to win between 274 and 326 of the lower house’s 465 seats — the largest post‑war margin for any Japanese party.

The decisive result consolidates her authority and positions her to pursue ambitious economic and regulatory reforms. Markets reacted quickly: the dollar/yen climbed 0.2% to 157 and BTC/JPY rose almost 5%, while Japanese equities reached record highs as government bonds and the yen came under pressure.

The so‑called “Takaichi trade” reflects expectations of fiscal stimulus, looser monetary policy and increased liquidity. U.S. officials weighed in, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling the victory “historic” and President Donald Trump offering full endorsement.

Japan

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