Takaichi Re-Elected as Japan’s Prime Minister

Sanae Takaichi was re-elected prime minister in a special session of Japan’s National Assembly in Tokyo following the Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide victory in the February 8 early general elections. Takaichi secured majority support in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, beginning her second term.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party won 316 of 465 lower house seats, surpassing the two-thirds threshold. Takaichi said she does not plan cabinet changes after the historic result

epa12752461 Lawmakers line up to vote at the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo, Japan, 18 February 2026. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was reelected as prime minister by the lawmakers. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

epaselect epa12752409 Sanae Takaichi gestures during a special session at the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo, Japan, 18 February 2026. After the ruling party's landslide win in the Lower House election, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is assured of being reelected by lawmakers. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

epa12752405 Sanae Takaichi (C) arrives at a special session at the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo, Japan, 18 February 2026. After the ruling party's landslide win in the Lower House election, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is assured of being reelected by lawmakers. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

epa12752406 Sanae Takaichi (L) talks with fellow lawmakers during a special session at the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo, Japan, 18 February 2026. After the ruling party's landslide win in the Lower House election, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is assured of being reelected by lawmakers. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

epa12752434 Sanae Takaichi (C-L) stands after been reelected as prime minister during a special session at the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo, Japan, 18 February 2026. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was reelected as prime minister by the lawmakers. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

epa12752448 Sanae Takaichi (R) speaks with lawmakers at the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo, Japan, 18 February 2026. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was reelected as prime minister by the lawmakers. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

epa12752447 Sanae Takaichi looks on at the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo, Japan, 18 February 2026. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was reelected as prime minister by the lawmakers. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

epa12752450 Sanae Takaichi (L) casts her ballot at the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo, Japan, 18 February 2026. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was reelected as prime minister by the lawmakers. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

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