TEHRAN – Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, has guided the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a commanding victory in Sunday’s snap House of Representatives election.

Preliminary results indicate the LDP captured well over 230 seats, comfortably clearing the 233-seat threshold required for an outright majority and ending its brief period as a minority government.

This decisive win, occurring just three months after Takaichi assumed the presidency, serves as a powerful endorsement of her leadership.

Voters turned out across the nation despite severe winter weather—including heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures—that initially threatened to suppress participation.

The result marks a striking turnaround for the LDP, which had previously struggled with declining approval and internal scandals.

Takaichi, a staunch conservative known for her unapologetic nationalism and direct style, successfully mobilized core supporters while broadening her appeal among younger, security-conscious voters.

With a solidified parliamentary base, Takaichi is now positioned to advance a transformative agenda.

On the economy, she has promised bold fiscal stimulus to combat stagnant wages, despite critics warning of Japan’s elevated public debt.

Regarding security, she faces calls to increase defense spending and navigate a strained relationship with China, heightened by her earlier suggestions that Japan might intervene if Taiwan were attacked.

At home, Takaichi remains focused on stricter immigration and tourism controls to preserve social cohesion.