Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s high-stakes gamble on a snap election has paid off, with voters handing her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) a big majority Sunday, according to public broadcaster NHK. “Congratulations to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Coalition on a LANDSLIDE Victory in today’s very important Vote. Sunday’s remarkable result also means Takaichi’s party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, will have the numbers to chair all lower house committees. A voter fills a ballot in the lower house election at a polling station in Tokyo on Sunday. Trump also enjoyed a close bond with Takaichi’s mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was assassinated in July 2022.

Source: CNN February 08, 2026 22:02 UTC