Sanae Takaichi Reappointed Japan PM, Eyes Hard-Right Policy Agenda

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was reappointed by Parliament on Wednesday to form her second Cabinet, following a landslide election victory that strengthens her mandate for a more conservative policy direction. All previous ministers are expected to retain their posts.

Her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) now commands a two-thirds supermajority in the powerful 465-seat lower house, giving it significant legislative leverage.

The Power of a Supermajority

Control of two-thirds of the lower house allows the LDP to dominate key parliamentary committees and override bills rejected by the upper house, where the LDP-led coalition lacks a majority.

Takaichi has outlined ambitions to:

• Expand Japan’s military capabilities and arms exports
• Increase government spending
• Tighten immigration policies
• Preserve male-only imperial succession
• Oppose same-sex marriage
• Resist reforms allowing married couples to retain separate surnames

Her longer-term goal of revising Japan’s US-drafted postwar pacifist Constitution may be delayed as she faces mounting domestic economic pressures.

Tackling Rising Prices

Takaichi’s immediate priority is addressing rising prices and sluggish wages, along with passing a delayed budget bill.

She has proposed a two-year sales tax cut on food products to ease household costs. However, economists warn that her expansive fiscal policies could worsen inflation and slow efforts to reduce Japan’s substantial national debt.

Managing Relations with Washington

Takaichi is preparing for a key summit next month with US President Donald Trump, who endorsed her ahead of Japan’s election.

Shortly before her reappointment, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced Japan would provide capital for three projects under a USD 550 billion investment package pledged last October. Japan has committed USD 36 billion for the first batch of projects, including:

• A natural gas plant in Ohio
• A US Gulf Coast crude oil export facility
• A synthetic diamond manufacturing site

Japan is also under pressure from Washington to increase annual defence spending.

Masato Kamikubo, a policy science professor at Ritsumeikan University, said public opinion remains divided over whether Takaichi should take a firm stance with Trump or prioritise strategic cooperation.

A Hawkish Approach to China

Takaichi has taken a tougher stance on China, particularly regarding Taiwan. In November, she suggested Japan could act if China makes a military move against Taiwan — remarks that triggered diplomatic and economic pushback from Beijing.

She is also seeking support for a visit to Yasukuni Shrine, a controversial site seen by neighbouring countries as symbolic of Japan’s unresolved wartime legacy.

Analysts say her strengthened mandate could embolden a more assertive China policy.

Expanding Military Capabilities

Takaichi has pledged to revise security and defence policies by December. Her proposals include:

• Lifting bans on lethal weapons exports
• Exploring development of nuclear-powered submarines
• Enhancing intelligence-gathering capacity
• Creating a national intelligence agency
• Expanding defence cooperation with Australia, Britain and the United States

She also backs a controversial anti-espionage law targeting foreign intelligence activities, particularly those linked to China, though critics warn it could impact civil liberties.

Tougher Immigration and Conservative Social Policies

Domestically, Takaichi is advancing stricter immigration and residency rules, including tougher requirements for permanent residency and naturalisation.

On social issues, she supports male-only imperial succession and opposes same-sex marriage. She is resisting legal changes that would allow married couples to retain separate surnames, instead proposing broader use of maiden names as aliases — a move critics argue is designed to block meaningful reform.

With a commanding parliamentary majority, Takaichi begins her second term positioned to reshape Japan’s defence, immigration and social policies — though economic challenges and regional tensions may test how far her rightward agenda can advance.

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