Live Updates: Japan’s Leader Eyes a Big Win in Snap Election

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by The New York TimesFebruary 8, 2026 at 12:51 PM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Sanae Takaichi, 64, has been elected as Japan's prime minister, marking the first time a woman has held the position. Takaichi, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and a protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, represents a shift to the right in Japanese politics. She grew up near Nara and overcame challenges as a woman in politics to rise to power. Takaichi advocates for a stronger Japan, stricter immigration policies, and a revised view of World War II history. She is expected to address Japan's relationship with the United States, including military and economic alliances, and is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump in Tokyo next week.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Nara Prefecture 30% Yoshiko Sakurai 30% China 40% Shinzo Abe 50% Donald Trump ×260% United States ×260% Liberal Democratic Party 70% Japan ×990% Sanae Takaichi ×795%

Keywords

sanae takaichi 100% japan 100% prime minister 90% election 80% politics 70% conservative 60% liberal democratic party 60% shinzo abe 50% women in politics 50% us-japan alliance 50%