Takaichi-led LDP Supermajority Sweep Means Voters Ready for Reform

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In Sunday's 51st Lower House election, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, achieved 316 seats. On its own, the LDP exceeded the 310 seats needed for a two-thirds majority. It will now be able to override the Upper House rejection of bills that the Lower House seeks to pass. 

In tandem with its coalition partner, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Ishin), the ruling parties hold 356 seats. It is a historic landslide victory. 

At the same time, the new Centrist Reform Alliance, formed by the Lower House branches of the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and Komeito, suffered a crushing defeat. They fell far short of their pre-election strength (167), winning fewer than 50 seats.

Voters cast a clear vote of confidence in Takaichi's steady leadership. They supported the ruling parties as the nation faced multiple crises, including a severe international environment. 

Hopefully, Takaichi and the ruling parties will now do everything possible to overcome these crises. This victory reflects a surge in support for Takaichi as prime minister. Meanwhile, LDP lawmakers also need to stay humble and united and act with due speed to implement voters' priorities.

Strengthening Defense

Prime Minister Takaichi indicated her intention to use the election campaign to gauge the public's opinions on policies that divide the nation. In that regard, the pursuit of national security should be a top priority for the Takaichi administration. After all, national security is the foundation of Japan's independence and prosperity.

Threats are growing from the country's anti-Japan, nuclear-armed, authoritarian neighbors, China, Russia, and North Korea. Indeed, a China-instigated Taiwan crisis is a particular concern.

Defense issues have long been a key point of contention in postwar politics. Even in this election, Japan's left-wing liberal and political parties, including the Centrist Reform Alliance, long espoused the false idea that peace can be maintained even if Japan is weak. However, that stance has lost its appeal with the Japanese public, as this election demonstrated without a doubt. 

In their coalition agreement, the LDP and Ishin made this point. They pledged to share a realism-based outlook on international relations capable of responding quickly to changes in the security environment. The Takaichi administration should use its new authority to seek a major shift in postwar politics. It is essential to promote realistic policies to safeguard Japan and the Japanese people.

Defending the Nation

Diplomacy is vital. Prime Minister Takaichi will visit the United States in March. There, meeting with President Donald Trump, the two leaders will hopefully agree on strengthening deterrence and response capabilities. 

Japan and the US must demonstrate their determination and readiness to defend the East Asian region. Promoting security cooperation with Australia and South Korea is also critical.

Revisions to three key security documents, including the National Security Strategy (NSS), are scheduled for the end of 2026. They will need to respond to new modes of combat, such as the mass deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Moreover, they will hopefully accelerate the development of Japan's domestic defense industry. Defense spending and related budgets also need to be increased. 

The basic principle is that Japan must defend its own country. To do so, the government must urgently strengthen the nation's intelligence functions, including by enacting an anti-espionage law.

Succession to the Imperial Throne

There is no time to waste in establishing a policy providing for stable succession to the imperial throne. The imperial family is the foundation of the nation, and it is necessary to respect the most important principle of Japanese imperial lineage in its succession.

To ensure stable succession, male descendants of the imperial line ー descendants of former imperial families ー should be allowed to return as members of the imperial family. Hopefully, the Imperial House Law will be revised to provide for this change. The best chance to do so is during the special Diet session convening on February 18.

Constitutional Revision

The government should also move forward on revising the postwar Constitution of Japan. Draft amendments, including those for Article 9 and emergency clauses, need to be codified in law. 

It is also time for the ruling parties to take control of the Commission on the Constitution in the Lower House. Currently, the opposition holds the chairmanship of the commission. Its chair, who was not reelected, was too cautious about constitutional reform. His replacement should be someone who would allow active deliberation on the issues involved.

Tax Cuts

During the Lower House election, measures to combat rising prices, such as a reduction in the consumption tax, were actively debated. 

The LDP pledged to implement a tax cut measure that would exempt food and beverages from the consumption tax for two years only. Promises to the people affect the credibility of the administration.

Moreover, such promises need to be accompanied by a responsible method for securing funding. Without that, the public and the market will turn their backs on the government. A framework design for all this is set to be finalized at a national conference on social security reform. This is intended to include the government, ruling, and opposition parties. The challenges will surely put Prime Minister Takaichi's leadership to the test. 

There is also an urgent need to consider a tax credit with benefits that combine tax cuts and cash benefits.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a strong economy by promoting crisis management investments and growth investments. For example, these could be directed toward strengthening economic, food, and energy security. To achieve any of this, naturally, passing the FY2026 budget as soon as possible is also important.

Left-Wing Liberalism in Decline

As the election began, the Centrist Reform Alliance sought to become the party with the greatest number of Diet seats. However, it ended up with less than one-third that number. It must face up to the reality that it is far weaker now than before the election was announced. Its co-leaders, Yoshihiko Noda (former CDP) and Tetsuo Saito (Komeito), took responsibility on February 9. In a joint press conference, both resigned their leadership posts. 

The party was incoherent regarding its basic policies. For example, it was unable to decide on a unified stance regarding the relocation of the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa to Henoko. That is an issue directly related to the Japan-US alliance.

Also, regarding the security-related legislation that allows for the limited exercise of the right of collective self-defense, the CDP earlier called for the abolition of "unconstitutional parts." Nonetheless, the Centrist Reform Alliance judged it to be "constitutional." 

There was no sign that the former CDP members had fully discussed the issue. Moreover, they offered no apologies and showed no remorse for their earlier position. 

It is only natural that voters concluded that the new party was nothing more than a "mutual aid society for the election." With the resignation of Centrist Reform Alliance leaders, perhaps the party can start afresh with a new framework.

Japanese Communist Party

Like the Centrist Reform Alliance, voters did not see the Japanese Communist Party and Reiwa Shinsengumi as viable options. The era in which left-wing and liberal forces led the opposition seems to be over. 

Perhaps instead, the Democratic Party for the People will achieve a relatively higher profile.

Prime Minister Takaichi is known to be an incredibly hard worker. Hopefully, she will now take some time off to rest. National leaders should also take due care of their health.

RELATED:

• Historic Victory for Takaichi As the LDP Wins Super Majority
• How Takaichi Won So Big — and What Comes Next?
• Nikkei Tops 57,000 as Election Result Fuels 'Takaichi Trade'

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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