Citizens across Japan are participating in a general election today to determine the 465 seats in the lower house. This election is considered a major test for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), as it will decide if the party can secure a majority in the lower house to form a government.

According to pre-election polls, Prime Minister Takaichi's coalition is expected to secure a resounding victory with more than 300 lower house seats, a significant gain compared to the 233 seats they currently hold.

If the coalition between Takaichi's LDP and the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) secures 310 seats, they could overturn the opposition's control in the upper house.

Heavy snow covers a polling station in Koto, Tokyo, on 8/2. Photo: AFP

However, severe weather conditions, with some areas reporting record snowfall, could affect voter turnout. Many voters will face difficulties traveling to polling stations today. In northern and eastern Japan, snowfall is forecast to reach up to 70 cm.

In Nagaoka in Niigata province, where snow has piled more than one meter high along the roads since 7/2, campaigners urged residents to vote early to avoid impending snowstorms.

Takaichi, 64 years old, became Prime Minister in 10/2025 after being chosen as LDP leader. With her straightforward style and diligent work ethic, she has garnered broad support from voters, especially the youth. She pledged to temporarily suspend the 8% sales tax on food for two years to help households cope with soaring prices, partly due to the depreciating yen.

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters, Yahoo News)