Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and allies secured 352 seats in the February 9 House of Representatives election, surpassing the two-thirds majority and paving the way for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's re-election. Japanese and Chinese experts warn that this could accelerate military expansion and constitutional revision, heightening Asia-Pacific tensions.
Japan's House of Representatives election took place on February 9, 2026, with the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Nippon Ishin no Kai securing 352 seats, including 316 for the LDP alone, exceeding the two-thirds threshold. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to be re-elected when parliament reconvenes on February 18.
On China News Network's "W.E. Talk" program, Chen Yang, a visiting research fellow at Liaoning University's Institute of Japan Studies, noted that Takaichi will leverage her parliamentary advantage to comprehensively revise the "Three Security Documents," shifting Japan's defense policy from "exclusive defense" to "proactive defense" to establish her personal political legacy. He stated that Japan will accelerate increasing defense spending as a share of GDP and intensify militarization of the southwestern islands, raising alarms among neighbors amid historical revisionism.
Japanese local councilor Shiro Hanatani warned that the Takaichi administration's militarization and constitutional revision efforts are heightening tensions in Asia. He said that if security policy revisions become overly radical, Japan's position could become extremely precarious. Hanatani emphasized that Japan should reflect on World War II lessons and reaffirm the pledge of "no war between Japan and China," working with China to contribute to Asian peace.
Post-election, Takaichi signaled intent to accelerate constitutional revision, stating she would "create an environment in which a national referendum on revising the constitution can be held as soon as possible." Recently, on a television program, she said she is "trying to create an environment" to visit the Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates 14 convicted Class-A war criminals from World War II, revealing disregard for historical justice.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Monday that China urges Japan's authorities to take international concerns seriously, follow the path of peaceful development rather than return to militarism, and abide by the four political documents between China and Japan. If Japan's far-right forces miscalculate and act recklessly, they will face resistance from the Japanese people and backlash from the international community.
The Takaichi government faces domestic challenges including persistent rising prices, yen depreciation, and economic stagnation, as well as diplomatic pressures to maintain the Japan-U.S. alliance and repair China-Japan relations.
