LDP
Japan's February 8 lower house election unpredictable for five reasons
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Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called a snap lower house election for February 8, marking one of the most unpredictable contests in years. Factors include a gap between her high approval ratings and her party's lower support, low youth turnout, the coalition split, a far-right challenge, and the winter timing. Surveys suggest the Liberal Democratic Party could gain seats in proportional representation.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, pledge to aim for enacting a bill in the next Diet session to reduce Lower House seats by 10%. However, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has avoided mentioning the topic in her campaign speeches, debates, or on X during the run-up to Sunday's general election.
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Koichi Hagiuda, an executive with Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, is running in Tokyo's No. 24 constituency in Sunday's general election, aiming for a victory to fully emerge from the party's high-profile slush fund scandal. When the official campaign period kicked off on January 27, he addressed an enthusiastic crowd in front of Hachioji Station, emphasizing his claim to being a "self-made politician."
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has enjoyed tailwinds since taking office on October 21, with high approval ratings and an ambitious policy agenda. In 2026, however, she must demonstrate to voters that she can meet their expectations through steady leadership and concrete solutions to national challenges. Like Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations,' these high hopes could become her biggest test.
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In the latest development in the ongoing debate over Japan's non-nuclear stance, senior Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Itsunori Onodera called on Sunday for renewed discussions on the country's three non-nuclear principles, signaling potential revisions under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba decided to resign to prevent a split in the Liberal Democratic Party. This move aims to maintain party unity. A leadership transition is expected soon.