Japan heads to the polls again on Sunday for its second general election in as many years. The snap vote has caught the ruling party, the opposition, and much of the electorate off guard.
Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, is betting on her personal popularity, hoping to succeed where her party failed just last year: delivering a clear public mandate for the long-ruling but deeply unpopular Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
It is a political gamble - one her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, made, and lost badly. Voters will now decide whether it will pay off.
The difference this time is that her approval across most media polls has been much, much higher than her predecessors, says Rintaro Nishimura, an analyst and senior associate at The Asia Group's Japan Practice.
Conventional wisdom says: when approval is high, you call an election.
Since taking office last October, Sanae Takaichi has dominated headlines, not through policy or legislation, but through political performance. The work, work, work mantra in her acceptance speech reinforced the image of an energized, relentless leader.
In just over three months, she has cultivated a highly visible public profile. She's taken high-profile visits from world leaders, including receiving Donald Trump only a week into her premiership.
When they appeared aboard the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, the prime minister raised her fists in the air as President Trump lavished her with praise. And just two days before February's vote, President Trump endorsed Takaichi saying she has already proven to be a strong, powerful, and wise leader... one that truly loves her country.
There was also her surprise appearance playing the song Golden from the film K-Pop Demon Hunters on the drums alongside South Korea's president, and the selfie with Italy's prime minister. These were all viral moments projecting confidence and momentum, distancing her from the stagnant image of her predecessors.
There is an atmosphere of positivity about her being the first female prime minister in Japanese history, about her being successful at diplomacy… with her having approval ratings in the 60s or sometimes as high as 70%, says Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies.
Takaichi has consolidated support among the LDP's conservative base, reviving long-dormant goals such as constitutional revision and emphasizing traditional values. She's positioned herself as the leader who brings the LDP back to its [conservative] origins, Nishimura says.
The timing of the election has drawn criticism from opposition parties, arguing the snap vote has delayed anti-inflation measures, postponed debate over the fiscal 2026 budget, and placed an additional administrative burden on local municipalities.
While concern over financial scandals appears to have faded, cost-of-living pressures remain front of mind. The sharp spike in rice prices in mid-2025 shocked households. Though it occurred before Takaichi took office, it continues to shape perceptions of the LDP.
Inflation slowed in late 2025, but wages remain stagnant and the yen has weakened further. Takaichi has promised public spending, inflation relief, and tax cuts, but critics say the details remain vague.
As the election approaches, the stakes are high for Takaichi, with her capability to lead Japan effectively hanging in the balance.
Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, is betting on her personal popularity, hoping to succeed where her party failed just last year: delivering a clear public mandate for the long-ruling but deeply unpopular Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
It is a political gamble - one her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, made, and lost badly. Voters will now decide whether it will pay off.
The difference this time is that her approval across most media polls has been much, much higher than her predecessors, says Rintaro Nishimura, an analyst and senior associate at The Asia Group's Japan Practice.
Conventional wisdom says: when approval is high, you call an election.
Since taking office last October, Sanae Takaichi has dominated headlines, not through policy or legislation, but through political performance. The work, work, work mantra in her acceptance speech reinforced the image of an energized, relentless leader.
In just over three months, she has cultivated a highly visible public profile. She's taken high-profile visits from world leaders, including receiving Donald Trump only a week into her premiership.
When they appeared aboard the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, the prime minister raised her fists in the air as President Trump lavished her with praise. And just two days before February's vote, President Trump endorsed Takaichi saying she has already proven to be a strong, powerful, and wise leader... one that truly loves her country.
There was also her surprise appearance playing the song Golden from the film K-Pop Demon Hunters on the drums alongside South Korea's president, and the selfie with Italy's prime minister. These were all viral moments projecting confidence and momentum, distancing her from the stagnant image of her predecessors.
There is an atmosphere of positivity about her being the first female prime minister in Japanese history, about her being successful at diplomacy… with her having approval ratings in the 60s or sometimes as high as 70%, says Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies.
Takaichi has consolidated support among the LDP's conservative base, reviving long-dormant goals such as constitutional revision and emphasizing traditional values. She's positioned herself as the leader who brings the LDP back to its [conservative] origins, Nishimura says.
The timing of the election has drawn criticism from opposition parties, arguing the snap vote has delayed anti-inflation measures, postponed debate over the fiscal 2026 budget, and placed an additional administrative burden on local municipalities.
While concern over financial scandals appears to have faded, cost-of-living pressures remain front of mind. The sharp spike in rice prices in mid-2025 shocked households. Though it occurred before Takaichi took office, it continues to shape perceptions of the LDP.
Inflation slowed in late 2025, but wages remain stagnant and the yen has weakened further. Takaichi has promised public spending, inflation relief, and tax cuts, but critics say the details remain vague.
As the election approaches, the stakes are high for Takaichi, with her capability to lead Japan effectively hanging in the balance.
