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First modification: 02/13/2026 - 15:57 Last modification: 02/13/2026 - 15:58

A landslide victory was obtained by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the legislative elections on February 8. With this result, it is expected that the conservative and nationalist agenda of the so-called 'Iron Lady' can be carried out without obstacles. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) together with its partner, the Japan Innovation Party (PIJ), won 352 of the 465 seats in the Lower House, a severe blow to the opposition that suffered vast losses. How are the forces? What are the immediate challenges for the leader? We analyze it in This is Asia.

Sanae Takaichi, known for her hardline conservative line, dissolved the Lower House on January 19 and called early elections. During those two intense weeks, the campaign focused on his personal charisma and political promises: massive fiscal stimulus to revive the economy, toughening immigration, strengthening defense against China and national security reforms.

What made the LDP obtain these historic results? What will be Takaichi's main challenges? Will the prime minister be able to carry out her plan to reform the Constitution that would end Japan's pacifist policy?

For the analysis we have Genaro Beristain Aguilar, professor at the faculty of global studies at the Anáhuac University, also a specialist in Asia Pacific, historiography of China, Japan and the insular Pacific.

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