People in Japan are toughing it out in the snow to vote in a quick election called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Polls suggest her coalition is set to score a big win.
This is the first winter election in 36 years—Japan usually picks milder seasons for this. But Takaichi wanted a fresh mandate right after nabbing her party’s leadership.
Surveys predict her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) teaming up with the Japanese Innovation Party could grab up to 300 out of 465 seats in the Lower House.
It’s a comeback for the LDP after losing their long-time ally and majority due to scandals and high living costs.
After two previous LDP prime ministers quit amid tanking popularity, Takaichi has stepped up as a crowd favorite.
She’s winning folks over with promises of tax breaks and subsidies. Critics wonder if more spending will really kickstart the slow economy, especially with Japan’s sky-high government debt.
Her personal appeal might give the LDP a boost, but the snow could keep some voters home, particularly in the north and east.
Early voting turnout was about 4.6 million, down 2.5% from 2024, blamed on the weather.
Places like Niigata saw heavy snow, with trains, ferries, and flights canceled. Even Tokyo got a rare dusting as people headed to polls.
Takaichi, a fan of Margaret Thatcher, aims to be Japan’s “Iron Lady.” She’s close to the late Shinzo Abe’s circle, pushing strong defense and nationalist ideas.
Despite her old-school views on family and gender, she’s hugely popular with young voters aged 18-30. Her approval ratings have stayed over 70% since October.
She’s built a massive social media following, with 2.6 million on X. Her campaign video hit over 100 million streams in under 10 days.
At 64, she’s sparked “Sanae-mania”—her black leather tote sold out, and her pink pen went viral.
This sociologist notes that Japanese politics has been run by older men forever, so a woman leader feels like a fresh change.
But some doubt her popularity will fully carry over, since it’s a parliamentary vote with many scandal-tainted male LDP candidates.
The party got hit by a fundraising mess since 2023, leading to resignations and probes.
This election’s a risk for Takaichi, with her old ally Komeito now teaming up against her in a big opposition group.
Another challenge: selling voters on spending plans without worsening Japan’s debt issues.
Her policies might give quick help to families, but they skip fixing low productivity and flat wages.
Plus, she’s strained ties with China by talking tough on Taiwan defense, hitting a low in relations.
Meanwhile, she’s cozying up to US President Donald Trump for steadier alliances.
Trump even endorsed her recently, which is unusual for a US leader.