Summary
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to call a snap election to increase support for her party, less than three months into her term. Her Liberal Democratic Party currently holds the most seats in the House of Representatives, but faces a new opposition challenge. Takaichi has strong approval ratings and has strengthened ties with the U.S., while relations with China have worsened.
Key Facts
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to announce a snap election soon.
- The election will choose 465 members of Japan's House of Representatives.
- Takaichi's party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), holds 199 seats, the most of any party.
- The LDP has a coalition majority with the Japan Innovation party in the lower house.
- Takaichi has been a critic of China and supports strong defense policies.
- She strengthened relations with the U.S., including a deal on rare earths with President Trump.
- Her approval ratings are high, but the snap election poses risks due to a strong new opposition party.
- The new opposition party is a merger of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party.
