As of the evening of February 8, 2026, the final count of the Japanese House of Representatives election results showed that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Takahashi Sanae, has secured 234 seats independently, exceeding the 233 seats needed for a majority. Its ruling coalition partner, the Komeito Party, also won 23 seats, giving the ruling coalition a total of 257 seats, confirming Takahashi Sanae's continued leadership.

The largest opposition alliance "Center Reform United" (composed of the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Komeito Party) saw its seat count drop significantly from 172 seats before the election, possibly halving, losing its ability to check the ruling party.

Takahashi Sanae's victory was largely due to support from young voters: her support rate among the 20-30 age group reached 78%-84%, far higher than that of those over 70 (53%). Her labels as "the first female prime minister" and "strong military expansion," along with her social media strategy (such as fans buying the same handbag and snacks), successfully attracted the younger generation.

Publicity effect: Campaign speeches attracted more than 3,000 people per session, compared to the "largest scale since Koizumi's postal privatization election."

Future policy direction, expanding domestic and foreign authority

, the ruling coalition obtained an absolute stable majority (261 seats can monopolize the parliamentary committees), and Takahashi will strongly push the following agenda:

Military expansion: continuing the strong military line, increasing defense budget;

Economic stimulus: fulfilling the commitment to reduce consumption tax and expand fiscal policy.

China policy may undergo practical adjustments, and after the election, it may follow international trends (such as European countries repairing relations with China), taking dialogue measures to improve Sino-Japanese relations;

maintaining a tough stance on issues such as Taiwan and the East China Sea, which are considered core interests.

In the foreseeable future, Sino-Japanese relations may become more difficult due to Takahashi Sanae's hardline right-wing conservative stance. However, no matter how she operates, she would not dare to take the option of military confrontation. If so, the long-standing resentment of the Chinese nation could be released.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856567906831360/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author only.