‘Sana-mania’ grips Japan as ultra-conservative Takaichi expected to secure election landslide

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Justin McCurryin TokyoFebruary 6, 2026 at 03:19 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Japan's Liberal Democratic party (LDP) is expected to win a significant victory in upcoming lower house elections, largely attributed to the popularity of its new leader, Sanae Takaichi. Takaichi, an ultra-conservative, became Japan's first female prime minister after a leadership election eight months ago. Since then, she has engaged in high-profile meetings with world leaders and implemented controversial policies. Despite some challenges, Takaichi's popularity has surged, creating a "Sana-mania" that has boosted the LDP's standing. Opinion polls predict the LDP and its coalition partner will secure a two-thirds majority in parliament, while the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance anticipates substantial losses.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

South Korea ×235% Beijing 35% Japan Innovation party 40% Taiwan 40% Xi Jinping 50% Shinjiro Koizumi 50% Lee Jae Myung ×250% Donald Trump 60% Shigeru Ishiba ×260% Japan ×385% Liberal Democratic party (LDP) ×590% Sanae Takaichi ×695%

Keywords

sanae takaichi 100% ldp 90% japanese politics 90% election landslide 80% conservative politics 70% political recovery 60% opinion polls 50% parliamentary majority 50% leadership election 40%