In Japan’s recent parliamentary election the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has emerged with a majority in the House of Representatives, according to early forecasts. Surveys carried out by the public broadcaster NHK and the Kyodo news agency both indicate that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s party will secure a standalone majority in the lower house based on post‑poll data collected at polling stations. The extent to which this, together with the coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (JIP), will achieve a two‑thirds majority remains uncertain.
The 2024 vote saw the then‑ruling LDP‑Komeito coalition lose its longstanding majority in the House of Representatives. After the coalition was also defeated in the upper house, former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned in September 2025. Takaichi succeeded him, becoming the first woman to serve as Japan’s prime minister. Her approval ratings are markedly higher than those of her predecessor, and by calling these early elections she aimed to obtain clear majorities in Parliament.