“Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female Prime Minister and the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was re-elected Prime Minister in a special parliamentary session convened on the 18th.
Following her re-election, it is expected that the ‘strong Japan’ policies, including increased defense capabilities and constitutional amendments to specify the Self-Defense Forces, will be reinforced. There are also projections that she will focus on realizing economic policies characterized by ‘responsible aggressive finance.’
Prime Minister Takaichi has shown enthusiasm for strengthening defense capabilities, early revision of three major security documents, significantly easing weapon export regulations, enhancing intelligence gathering functions, and establishing a national flag desecration law.
After becoming the 104th Prime Minister in late October last year, Takaichi dissolved the House of Representatives early on January 23rd in a bid to strengthen her power base. The Liberal Democratic Party achieved a sweeping victory by securing more than two-thirds of the seats in the general election on the 8th, leading to her anticipated election as the 105th Prime Minister today.
In the House of Representatives’ Prime Minister nomination election, Takaichi secured 354 out of 464 votes. It appears that all 316 members of the Liberal Democratic Party and 36 members of the coalition partner Nippon Ishin supported her. Meanwhile, Junya Ogawa of the largest opposition party, the Moderate Reform Alliance, received only 50 votes.
In the House of Councillors, where the opposition is in a majority, no candidate garnered a majority in the first ballot. Takaichi was just one vote short of the majority with 123 votes, while Ogawa came in second with 58 votes.
In the runoff election in the House of Councillors between Takaichi and Ogawa, Takaichi narrowly clinched victory with 125 votes, just over the majority, while Ogawa received 65 votes. As the results of the House of Representatives are prioritized if the two houses’ outcomes differ, Takaichi’s re-election as Prime Minister was already confirmed.
Following her re-election, Takaichi is set to inaugurate her second cabinet today but has decided to retain all ministers.
Regarding constitutional amendments, Takaichi is expected to discuss ways to specify the Self-Defense Forces, which function as an effective military, in the peace constitution that has remained unchanged since its promulgation in 1946.
If successful, this move could potentially shift Japan towards becoming a ‘war-capable state’ for the first time in over 80 years since the end of the Pacific War.
Additionally, Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to accelerate discussions on reducing the consumption tax on food and aim to pass the FY2026 budget (April 2026 to March 2027) as early as possible.
During the Liberal Democratic Party members’ meeting held that day, she mentioned next year’s local elections and the 2028 House of Councillors election, emphasizing that the public’s trust in the Liberal Democratic Party depends on how many pledges can be fulfilled over this year and next.
‘Let’s actively pursue constitutional amendments and amendments to the imperial family’s status,’ she added, urging cooperation from the opposition for the early adoption of the budget to build a strong economy and ensure public reassurance.
As evidenced in the Prime Minister nomination election results, the Takaichi cabinet is unlikely to dominate the House of Councillors, necessitating some degree of cooperation with the opposition.
Although the Liberal Democratic Party holds 316 seats in the House of Representatives, exceeding the threshold for re-voting bills rejected by the House of Councillors, frequent re-voting could draw criticism for unilateral governance.
In foreign policy, the focus is on maintaining good relations with South Korea while engaging in security and economic cooperation with the U.S., which is demanding further allied contributions. Takaichi is expected to seek ways to improve relations with China, amid tensions over her remarks suggesting intervention in Taiwan’s contingency, but to respond principledly to any excessive pressure from China.”