Sanae Takaichi, not LDP won record mandate in Japan, say experts

Sanae Takaichi, the Prime Minister of Japan, achieved a significant electoral victory, leading her party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), to secure a supermajority in the lower house of parliament. This victory marks the first single-party supermajority in Japan since World War II. The LDP is projected to win 316 out of 465 seats, surpassing the two-thirds threshold necessary to override decisions made by the upper chamber, according to public broadcaster NHK (South China Morning Post). Experts suggest that Takaichi's electoral success is more a reflection of her leadership and persona than a strategic maneuver by the LDP itself (Japan Times). Following her victory, Takaichi is expected to maintain a hardline stance on China and pursue closer security and trade ties with the United States. Her campaign focused on cutting taxes and increasing defense spending amid ongoing disputes with China (Deutsche Welle, South China Morning Post). Despite the electoral triumph, there are indications that fiscal hawks within the LDP and the bond market may limit any significant increase in stimulus spending (Japan Times). Takaichi's administration is anticipated to pursue a conservative agenda following the election landslide, which will likely prioritize national security and economic policies aligned with her party's traditional values (NPR).