Takaichi Poised for Sweeping Win after Snap Election

Sanae Takaichi made history last fall as Japan’s first woman prime minister and, after just over 100 days in office, called a snap election in a bid to capitalize on her popularity. After polls closed on Sunday, the Liberal Democratic Party was projected to win an absolute majority in the House of Representatives, giving her the ability to fast-track her priorities.

Ms. Takaichi has energized right-wing groups with promises to tighten immigration and build a "strong and prosperous" Japan. She shares the conservative vision of her mentor, Shinzo Abe, and is poised to push the country further to the right, promising increased military spending, stronger security laws and measures long sought by conservatives, including an anti-espionage law and amendments to the Constitution’s pacifist clause.

"We must restore Japan’s backbone," she said in a recent campaign video.

Japan

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