Strong support from young people was a key factor in the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) overwhelming victory.

In the Japanese House of Representatives election held on February 8, support from younger voters and independent voters was seen as the main driving force behind the LDP's decisive victory.

In this election, 37% of voters in the proportional representation districts voted for the LDP, far ahead of the 16% for the Center-Right Reform Alliance. In the 2024 election, the LDP received 25% of the vote, while the Constitutional Democratic Party received 21%, with a very small gap between them. However, the LDP's vote share in this election even exceeded that of 2021.

In 2024, the younger the group, the lower the proportion of voters who supported the LDP; however, in this election, the support rate among voters aged 18–29 reached 38%, with support rates across all age groups rising above levels seen in 2021.

Regarding the voting intentions of independent voters, the LDP led with 27%. In 2024, the LDP only had 15%, below the Constitutional Democratic Party at 25% and the National Party at 17%. The support rate for the Takahashi cabinet among independent voters rose to 66%, indicating that the LDP benefited from Takahashi Hayato's high popularity.

The LDP's traditional support base also showed stability. Among LDP supporters, 76% voted for their party in the proportional representation districts, a significant increase from 58% in 2024. This is considered to have won back voters who had left the LDP during the Ishiba cabinet period, which had strong support among more liberal voters.

Takahashi Hayato's initiatives such as "responsible proactive fiscal policy" and strengthening defense capabilities also attracted voter attention. The most important issues for voters were ranked as follows:

- Price control and economic policy: 47%

- Pension and social security policy: 15%

- Child policy and measures against population decline: 10%

- Foreign affairs and security policy: 8%

- Policies related to foreigners: 6%

Regardless of which issue was prioritized, the LDP was first in the proportional representation districts.

Among voters who emphasized economic policy, 40% voted for the LDP, and among those who focused on foreign affairs and security, 48% voted for the LDP, both significantly ahead of other parties.

In the 2024 election, voters who emphasized economic policy more often supported the Constitutional Democratic Party and the National Party, while those who focused on foreign affairs and security tended to support the National Party, the Japan Conservative Party, and the Shinsengumi Party.

In the group of younger voters who placed greater emphasis on measures against population decline, the LDP also led with 35%.

On the other hand, in the 2025 Senate election exit poll, among voters who emphasized policies related to foreigners, the LDP accounted for only 7%, while the Shinsengumi Party reached 43%. However, in this election, the LDP led with 28%, surpassing the Shinsengumi Party's 26%.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856737396579658/

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