Story perspectives

Japan Votes Amid Snowstorm: Takaichi Seeks Strong Mandate

2/8/2026

Center

Takaichi Seeks Mandate

Polls opened in Japan as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks a strong mandate.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces challenges from past scandals and a new opposition alliance, with record snowfall threatening voting.
Polls suggest the LDP could win a majority, potentially up to 310 seats in the 465-member lower house.
Takaichi pledges to increase defense spending and tighten immigration policies.

Left

Fujita Challenges Norms

Hikaru Fujita, a 35-year-old former diplomat, is running in Japan's parliamentary elections after publicly announcing her pregnancy to challenge traditional gender roles.
She aims to inspire younger women, stating, "I wanted to show that even pregnant women could run."
She is among a record 313 women running for parliamentary seats, highlighting a shift in Japan's political landscape, as elections proceed amid concerns about record snowfall on voting processes.

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Takaichi Seeks Mandate

Polls opened in Japan as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks a strong mandate.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces challenges from past scandals and a new opposition alliance, with record snowfall threatening voting.
Polls suggest the LDP could win a majority, potentially up to 310 seats in the 465-member lower house.
Takaichi pledges to increase defense spending and tighten immigration policies.

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