Japan’s first female PM calls snap elections for Feb. 8

(MENAFN) Riding a wave of personal popularity, Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has called snap elections for Feb. 8 in a bid to secure a parliamentary majority and consolidate her authority after months of fragile minority rule.

Takaichi, 64, became Japan’s 104th prime minister last October, breaking with decades of male-dominated leadership in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Her ascent to power followed a period of internal party turmoil, and her appointment marked a historic moment for women in Japanese politics.

Her decision to seek an early mandate comes despite the ruling party’s recent electoral setbacks but reflects what analysts describe as a calculated gamble. Experts note that Takaichi’s consistently high approval ratings over the past four months encouraged the move, giving her a window to secure a stronger mandate to push through ambitious policies ranging from economic reform to a tougher national security posture amid China’s regional rise.

“It’s like calling a snap election in a honeymoon period,” Nancy Snow, author of Japan’s Information War, told Anadolu. “She is taking advantage of her relatively high approval ratings to convert more seats in the direction of the LDP so that she can govern with more stability and authority.”

Minority Rule, Early Gamble
The LDP, which has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955, suffered a heavy defeat in the 2024 general election, losing its lower house majority for the first time since 2009. The setback was followed by another blow last July, when the party lost its majority in the upper house.

Facing these challenges, Takaichi formed a minority government with the support of the smaller Japan Innovation Party, a coalition that has limited her ability to pass controversial or ambitious legislation. Despite these constraints, her approval ratings have remained unusually strong compared to her predecessors. A Nikkei survey released on Jan. 26 showed public support for her administration at 67%, down slightly from 75% in December but still well above historical norms for a leader operating under minority rule.

Analysts suggest that the snap election is a strategic move to capitalize on this “honeymoon period,” where Takaichi can translate personal popularity into legislative power. Success in the upcoming vote could provide her with a clear mandate to advance key domestic policies and reinforce Japan’s position amid rising regional tensions. Failure, however, could leave her government vulnerable once again, highlighting the high stakes of her electoral gamble.

MENAFN26012026000045017281ID1110651046