Japan's Takaichi Poised to Expand Power in Sunday's Vote

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's popularity among younger voters could boost her conservative party in the upcoming election.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:15pm

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Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is calling a snap election on Sunday, counting on her unusual popularity among fans who see the hardline conservative as someone who speaks her mind and can bring change. Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, has a charismatic and straight-talking style that has made her very popular, especially among younger voters. Her party, the Liberal Democratic Party, is now poised to make big gains in Sunday's vote in the lower house of Parliament thanks to Takaichi's popularity.

Why it matters

Takaichi's rise to power represents a shift in Japanese politics, as she is the first woman to lead the country and her conservative, nationalist views could push Japan further to the right on issues like security, gender, and immigration. Her potential election gains could allow her to pursue the hawkish agenda of her mentor, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The details

Born in Nara, Japan's ancient capital, Takaichi was raised by conservative parents who taught her prewar moral values. She worked her way up in male-dominated politics, facing challenges like being called 'a little girl' in her first campaign. Takaichi supports the imperial family's male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage, putting her at odds with feminists. As Abe's protégé, she has echoed his nationalistic views and is expected to push Japan further to the right if her party gains ground on Sunday.

  • Takaichi was elected prime minister by Parliament in October 2026.
  • Takaichi is calling a snap election on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Sanae Takaichi

Japan's current Prime Minister, known for her charismatic and straight-talking style that has made her popular, especially among younger voters. She is the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister.

Shinzo Abe

Takaichi's late mentor, the former Prime Minister of Japan, whose nationalist and hawkish views Takaichi has echoed.

Shigeru Ishiba

Abe's rival, a more centrist politician whom Takaichi replaced as Prime Minister in October 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Takaichi is highly regarded, especially by women and younger generations who strongly feel stuck and hopeless.”

— Izuru Makihara, University of Tokyo politics expert

“When I look at Takaichi's policies, her being a woman doesn't matter. I think she has strong leadership skills and charisma.”

— Riho Shimogomi, 43-year-old office worker

What’s next

Takaichi's party, the Liberal Democratic Party, is expected to make significant gains in Sunday's lower house election, which could allow Takaichi to pursue her conservative agenda more aggressively.

The takeaway

Takaichi's rise to power represents a shift in Japanese politics, as the first woman to lead the country. Her conservative, nationalist views could push Japan further to the right on key issues, marking a significant change in the country's political landscape.