Japanese voters cast ballots on Sunday in an election expected to deliver a resounding victory for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's conservative coalition, though record snowfall across parts of the country may keep some at home. The 64-year-old, Japan's first female leader, pledged tougher immigration screening and economic growth in a final appeal to voters on the eve of the snap vote. Her straight-talking style has fueled popularity, especially among younger voters.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made a final pitch to voters at a rally attended by thousands in Tokyo on Saturday, pledging to make Japan "more prosperous and safer," including through tougher immigration screening ahead of Sunday's snap elections. Opinion polls indicate her Liberal Democratic Party-led bloc could secure around 300 of the 465 lower house seats, a significant gain from the 233 it currently holds, potentially achieving a two-thirds majority last seen in 2017 under her mentor, Shinzo Abe.
Takaichi, 64, became Japan's first female prime minister in October after being selected as LDP leader. Riding a wave of popularity, particularly among voters under 30 who favor her by over 90% in recent polls, she called the rare winter election to seek a mandate. Her policies include accelerating military spending to counter China and suspending the 8% sales tax on food for two years to ease inflation pressures from the weak yen. These moves have rattled markets, with long-term bond yields hitting record highs, and a $135 billion stimulus package adding to investor concerns.
On immigration, Takaichi stated screening has already tightened to bar terrorists and industrial spies, emphasizing checks on whether foreigners pay taxes and health insurance premiums. "We must build a strong economy" to fund healthcare, welfare, and education, she said, aiming to turn public anxieties into hope. Her tough stance appears to have slowed the rise of the populist Sanseito party.
Record snowfall, with up to 70 cm forecast in northern and eastern regions, poses challenges. As of Sunday morning, 37 train lines, 58 ferry routes, and 54 flights were halted, per the transport ministry. Even Tokyo saw light snow, causing minor disruptions. Turnout, typically in the mid-50% range, could slump, amplifying organized voting blocs like the former coalition partner Komeito, now aligned with the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party.
Jeff Kingston, a professor at Temple University Japan, expects Takaichi to gain a strong mandate for ambitious reforms. Polls close at 8 p.m., with broadcasters issuing projections from exit polls. She has vowed to step down if the coalition loses its majority, and received U.S. President Donald Trump's endorsement on Thursday.
