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

The charismatic prime minister aims to push Japan further to the right on security, gender, and immigration.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a heavy metal fan and motorcycle enthusiast, is poised to make big gains for her conservative Liberal Democratic Party in Sunday's lower house election. Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, is known for her straight-talking style and support from younger generations. As a protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she is expected to push Japan further to the right on issues like security, gender, and immigration if her party succeeds.

Why it matters

Takaichi's potential rise to power represents a significant shift in Japanese politics, as she would be the first female prime minister and is expected to steer the country in a more conservative direction. Her policies could have far-reaching implications for Japan's domestic and foreign policies.

The details

Takaichi, 57, was raised by conservative parents who instilled in her traditional Japanese values. She worked her way up from the middle class, facing challenges as a woman in male-dominated politics. Though not a feminist, she has gained popularity, especially among younger voters, for her charismatic and straight-talking style. As Abe's protégé, Takaichi has echoed his nationalist views, defending Japan's wartime actions and pushing for greater military capability and patriotic education. If her party makes gains on Sunday, she is expected to push Japan even further to the right on key issues.

  • Takaichi was elected prime minister by Parliament in October 2026.
  • The lower house election is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Sanae Takaichi

Japan's current prime minister and a member of the conservative Liberal Democratic Party. She is known for her charismatic and straight-talking style, as well as her support for traditional Japanese values and nationalist policies.

Shinzo Abe

The late former prime minister of Japan, who served as Takaichi's political mentor and whose nationalist views she has echoed.

Shigeru Ishiba

A centrist politician who was Abe's rival and was replaced by Takaichi 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 (newser.com)

“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 (newser.com)

What’s next

The results of Sunday's lower house election will determine the extent of Takaichi's power and her ability to push her conservative agenda.

The takeaway

Takaichi's potential rise to power represents a significant shift in Japanese politics, as she would be the first female prime minister and is expected to steer the country in a more conservative direction on key issues like security, gender, and immigration.