Overview
- President Donald Trump issued a "complete and total" endorsement of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and said he will host her at the White House on March 19.
- Surveys indicate the LDP–Ishin coalition could capture around 300 of 465 seats, with thresholds of 261 for full committee control and 310 for a two-thirds lower-house majority.
- Takaichi’s personal popularity, especially with younger voters, far outstrips party support, with polls showing exceptionally high approval among under‑30s and viral interest in her public persona.
- Investors have balked at her expansive agenda, including a ¥21.3 trillion stimulus and a proposed suspension of the 8% food sales tax that could remove about ¥5 trillion in annual revenue, driving yields higher and weakening the yen.
- Tensions with China intensified after her remarks on Taiwan, even as turnout uncertainties and heavy snow forecasts could influence the size of any victory in the Feb. 8 snap election; she has said she will resign if she loses her majority.