Japan’s Political Reset: Takaichi Secures Premiership After Landslide Victory

Tokyo’s political landscape has shifted decisively, with Sanae Takaichi poised to continue her leadership after her Liberal Democratic Party secured a historic mandate from Japanese voters.

Japan’s parliament convened a special session this week to reelect Takaichi as prime minister, a formality following the LDP’s landslide victory in the February 8 House of Representatives election . Before the 150-day session could begin, Takaichi’s Cabinet resigned en masse as required by the Constitution, setting the stage for her second Cabinet with what officials indicated would be minor adjustments rather than wholesale changes .

The election results represented a dramatic validation of Takaichi’s leadership and policy direction. Voters delivered what analysts described as a historic mandate, rewarding the LDP for its economic stewardship and national security posture while endorsing Takaichi’s vision for Japan’s future .

Beyond the political transition in Tokyo, Japan made news on multiple fronts this week. Trade figures released Wednesday showed a deficit of 1.15 trillion yen ($7.5 billion) for January, with exports rising 16.8 percent while imports decreased 2.5 percent from the previous year . The numbers reflect ongoing adjustments in Japan’s trade relationships and the continuing impact of global economic pressures.

In corporate news, convenience store giant Lawson Inc. announced ambitious expansion plans for India, targeting its first Mumbai store in 2027 with a goal of 100 locations by 2030 and a long-term vision of 10,000 stores by 2050 . The move reflects Japan’s continuing economic engagement with South Asia even as it navigates complex relationships with China and the United States.