Voters across Japan are heading to polling stations despite heavy snow as the country holds a rare mid-winter snap election. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the vote soon after winning leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
It has been 36 years since Japan last held an election during the winter months. Snowfall has created unusual challenges, especially in northern and eastern regions. Authorities have warned that severe weather could affect voter turnout.
Polls suggest Takaichi’s coalition with the Japanese Innovation Party could win nearly 300 of the 465 Lower House seats. This would mark a major recovery for the LDP, which lost its long-standing coalition partner and parliamentary majority after corruption scandals and rising costs.
Takaichi has gained popularity following the resignation of two previous prime ministers whose approval ratings fell sharply. She has campaigned on tax relief and subsidies aimed at easing household expenses. Critics, however, worry that increased spending could worsen Japan’s already high public debt.
Early voting reached around 4.6 million people, a decline of 2.5 percent compared to the 2024 election. Authorities say the decline was partly due to the heavy snowfall. Niigata Prefecture reported severe snowfall, forcing the closure of 37 train lines, 58 ferry routes, and 54 flights. Even Tokyo experienced rare snow as voters made their way to the polls.
Takaichi, a longtime admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, has expressed her ambition to become Japan’s “Iron Lady.” She aligns closely with the late Shinzo Abe and supports strong defense policies and conservative social values.
Despite her traditional positions, polls indicate she has gained support among younger voters aged 18 to 30. Since taking office in October, her approval ratings have remained above 70 percent. Social media has amplified her popularity. She has 2.6 million followers on X, and campaign content featuring her has been viewed over 100 million times in under ten days.
Her personal style has also attracted attention. Items she uses or carries, such as her black leather tote and pink pen, have become popular. Sociologist Yuiko Fujita of Tokyo University says her rise reflects a shift in Japanese politics, long dominated by older men.
Still, experts caution that her popularity may not guarantee votes for all LDP candidates. Some party members faced resignations and investigations last year due to past fundraising scandals.
This snap election brings new challenges. Opposition parties have been working more closely together, and Komeito has joined the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan to form the largest opposition bloc in the Lower House.
Many voters are focused on the economy. While government spending programs may offer short-term relief, critics say they don’t address deeper problems, such as sluggish productivity and stagnant wages.
Security and foreign policy are also on people’s minds. Analysts are watching how Japan manages regional tensions while keeping strong ties with key international partners. Analysts are closely watching how Japan manages regional tensions while keeping strong ties with international partners. Takaichi’s comments about a potential self-defense response if conflict arises over Taiwan have angered China. Relations between Tokyo and Beijing are now at their lowest in more than a decade. At the same time, Takaichi has sought closer ties with the United States. Former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed her this week, a rare move for a foreign leader.
Snowfall has made voting more difficult across Japan. The election will test whether Takaichi can earn a clear mandate for her party while the country faces economic pressures and rising regional tensions.
