Japan's Takaichi Wins Big, Paving Way for Rightward Shift

Victory gives ruling party control, allows PM to pursue more hawkish security, immigration policies

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's decisive election victory has given her ruling party control of the crucial lower house of parliament, paving the way for a rightward shift in Japan's security, immigration and social policies. Takaichi has pledged to bolster Japan's military capabilities, lift a ban on weapons exports, and establish a national intelligence agency to work more closely with allies like the U.S. and Australia. She also plans to push for tougher policies on immigration and foreigners, as well as preserve traditional family values by opposing same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.

Why it matters

Takaichi's election win represents a significant political shift in Japan, with her conservative agenda marking a departure from the country's post-war pacifist principles. This could have major implications for Japan's security posture, its relationship with China, and social policies at home. The changes she plans to implement are likely to be divisive and face opposition, but her strong electoral mandate gives her the political power to pursue her agenda.

The details

Takaichi has pledged to revise Japan's security and defense policies by December to bolster the country's military capabilities. This includes lifting a ban on weapons exports and establishing a national intelligence agency to work more closely with allies like the U.S. and Australia. She also plans to enact a controversial anti-espionage law that experts say could undermine civil rights. Takaichi has also followed through on a pledge to double Japan's annual defense budget to 2% of its GDP by March. On the immigration front, her government has already approved tougher rules on permanent residency and naturalization, as well as measures to prevent unpaid tax and social insurance. Takaichi also supports the imperial family's male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage, while calling for a law to allow greater use of maiden names as aliases instead of a dual surname system.

  • Takaichi plans to revise Japan's security and defense policies by December 2026.
  • Takaichi has pledged to double Japan's annual defense budget to 2% of its GDP by March 2027.
  • Takaichi is set to visit Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on March 19, 2026.
  • Trump will make a trip to Beijing to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in April 2026.

The players

Sanae Takaichi

The current Prime Minister of Japan, who recently won a decisive election victory that has given her ruling party control of the crucial lower house of parliament.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has endorsed Takaichi and is scheduled to meet with her at the White House on March 19, 2026.

Xi Jinping

The current President of China, who is scheduled to meet with Trump in Beijing in April 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.