Japan Reappoints Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister After Big Election Win

Sanae Takaichi begins second term with two-thirds majority, pledging stronger security, tax relief measures and closer United States partnership

New Delhi: Japan’s parliament has officially reappointed Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister after her party won a strong victory in the recent general election. This marks the beginning of her second term in office. Takaichi, 64, first became Japan’s prime minister in October 2025 and made history as the country’s first female Prime Minister.

Her Liberal Democratic Party, along with its ally the Japan Innovation Party, secured a two-thirds majority in the lower house during the February 8 snap election. This clear majority gives her government strong control in parliament and makes it easier to pass major laws and reforms.

During the special session of the Diet, lawmakers formally confirmed her position. She is expected to keep most of her key ministers in their roles to maintain stability and continue ongoing policies.

Strong Defence Push

National security remains one of Takaichi’s top priorities. She has promised to strengthen Japan’s defence system to protect the country’s land, sea and airspace. Her approach shows a firmer stance compared to Japan’s traditionally cautious post-war defence policy.

She plans to increase defence spending to about 2 percent of the country’s GDP. This would bring Japan closer to the defence spending level followed by NATO countries. The move reflects rising concerns about regional security, especially China’s growing military presence in East Asia.

Takaichi also wants to improve Japan’s intelligence system. Her government plans to set up a National Intelligence Agency and introduce new anti-espionage laws. She believes these steps will help Japan respond quickly and effectively to security threats.

At the same time, she aims to strengthen Japan’s alliance with the United States. Closer cooperation with Washington remains central to her strategy for maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Tensions With China

Takaichi’s defence policies are likely to create further tension with China. She has previously stated that Japan must take strong action to protect its national interests, including in situations involving Taiwan. These remarks have drawn criticism from Beijing, which sees them as a sign of a tougher Japanese stance.

Although Japan says its official position on Taiwan has not changed, Takaichi’s strong language has increased diplomatic strain between Tokyo and Beijing. Experts believe that relations between the two countries could remain tense during her second term.

However, Japan and China share strong economic ties, which means both sides will need to manage their differences carefully.

Economic Revival Plan

Improving the economy is another major focus of Takaichi’s government. Japan continues to struggle with slow growth, rising prices and long-standing financial challenges.

During her election campaign, she promised to suspend the consumption tax on food items for two years. She believes this step will reduce the burden on families and encourage people to spend more, helping the economy grow.

Takaichi also supports active government spending to stimulate growth. Her approach moves away from strict cost-cutting and focuses instead on boosting economic activity. She wants to strengthen supply chains and expand trade partnerships, including through agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Also Read: US Launches $550 Billion Trade Deal With Japan, Trump Announces Major Investment Push

At the same time, critics warn that Japan already has very high public debt, more than 200 percent of GDP. They argue that tax cuts and higher spending could increase financial pressure in the long term.

Conservative Social Views

Takaichi is known for her conservative views on social issues. She opposes changing the imperial succession law to allow female emperors. She also does not support allowing married couples to keep separate surnames, a topic that has sparked debate about gender equality.

She has called for stricter immigration and naturalisation rules. Supporters say tighter policies will protect social unity, while critics argue that Japan needs foreign workers to deal with its aging population.

These positions reflect her broader aim to preserve traditional values while guiding Japan through economic and security changes.

Global Response

Internationally, the United States has welcomed her reappointment and expressed support for closer cooperation. Washington sees Japan as an important partner in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

China and South Korea are watching developments closely, especially regarding defence expansion and possible future policy changes.

Key Challenges Ahead

As she begins her second term, Takaichi must pass the 2026 national budget and outline her government’s clear policy goals in parliament. She also needs to move forward with security reforms and economic measures.

Balancing stronger defence policies with stable diplomatic relations will be one of her biggest challenges. At the same time, she must deliver real economic improvements to maintain public support.

A Turning Point

Sanae Takaichi’s reappointment marks an important moment in Japan’s political journey. With a strong majority in parliament, she has the power to introduce major changes in defence, the economy and governance.

Her leadership signals a more confident and assertive Japan. At the same time, her decisions in the coming months will shape the country’s future role in the region and the world.