Japan election: PM Sanae Takaichi’s ruling coalition set to win two-thirds of Lower House

0 February 8, 2026 09:14

Voting in Japan has closed, and exit polls show Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party with 274 seats — enough for the ruling party to secure a Lower House majority on its own. Along with coalition partner Japan Innovation Party’s 23 seats, this could secure them a two-thirds majority of more than 300 seats — well past the magic number of 233 for a simple majority. Such a strong showing by the LDP would give Ms Takaichi stronger backing to push ahead with plans to increase investment, boost growth, as well as take a tougher stance on immigration, China and defence. Michiyo Ishida reports from Tokyo.