Japan election: Sanae Takaichi’s ruling conservatives on course for landslide victory

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Justin McCurry in Tokyo and agenciesFebruary 8, 2026 at 12:35 PM

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Japan's Liberal Democratic party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is projected to win a landslide victory in Sunday's lower house elections, according to exit polls. The LDP is expected to secure a majority, potentially exceeding the 233 seats needed to regain control lost in 2024. The election, called by Takaichi after becoming Japan's first female prime minister, is seen as an endorsement of her leadership. However, Takaichi faces challenges including managing public finances due to her proposed $135 billion stimulus package and navigating a dispute with China over Taiwan, sparked by her comments about potential Japanese military involvement. The election took place amidst concerns about Japan's heavy debt burden and strained relations with China.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kanagawa prefecture 30% Donald Trump 40% Xi Jinping 40% NHK ×250% Japan Innovation Party 50% Taiwan ×260% China ×270% Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) 80% Sanae Takaichi ×590% Japan ×6100%

Keywords

japan election 100% sanae takaichi 90% landslide victory 80% liberal democratic party 70% conservative party 70% china-japan relations 60% economic stimulus 60% public finances 50% taiwan 50% debt burden 40%

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Neutral

Score: 0.05

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The Guardian - World News

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Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

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90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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japan election sanae takaichi landslide victory liberal democratic party conservative party china-japan relations economic stimulus public finances taiwan debt burden

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