Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hopes for big win as polls open in national elections

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by By MARI YAMAGUCHI and FOSTER KLUGFebruary 8, 2026 at 05:23 AM

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long article 5 min

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seeking a significant victory in the national elections held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Tokyo. Takaichi hopes the win will enable her to advance a conservative political agenda. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), despite Takaichi's popularity, has faced challenges due to funding and religious scandals. These snap elections were called by Takaichi after only three months in office. The LDP has been the dominant party in Japan for the majority of the last seventy years.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Associated Press (AP) ×640% Liberal Democratic Party 60% Tokyo ×570% Japanese National Election ×270% Japan ×280% Sanae Takaichi ×290%

Keywords

national elections 90% japanese prime minister 80% sanae takaichi 70% polls 60% political agenda 50% liberal democratic party 50% lower house election 40%