Voters in Japan are scheduled to participate in a snap general election on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, to elect all 465 members of the House of Representatives. The election was called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), four months after she took office as the country’s first female prime minister.
According to Japanese broadcaster NHK World, more than 1,200 candidates are running for office. Major political parties competing include the LDP, the Japan Innovation Party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, the Democratic Party for the People, and the Japanese Communist Party.
Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reported on Feb. 2 that over 4.5 million of the country’s approximately 105 million registered voters had already cast their ballots in early voting.
Key issues that have featured prominently in the campaigns include the economy, national security, and immigration. Parties have presented different proposals to address public concerns over the rising cost of living and slow economic growth. According to the International Monetary Fund, Japan’s economy grew by 1.1% in 2025 and is projected to grow by 0.7% in 2026.
The LDP has stated its goal is to stimulate economic growth. Some opposition parties have campaigned on increasing welfare spending, while others, such as the Japan Innovation Party, have advocated for deregulation.
Immigration has also been a topic of debate. The number of foreign residents in Japan exceeded 2.5 million in 2025. The LDP’s platform includes a policy of “selective” immigration to address labor shortages while also increasing immigration regulations.
The election serves as a test for the LDP, which has governed Japan for most of the post-World War II era but recently lost its majority in both houses of parliament. The party has faced public scrutiny over a fundraising scandal involving allegations of misused campaign funds.
Takaichi became prime minister in October 2025 following an internal LDP leadership contest. She currently leads a coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party. A significant win in the lower house would consolidate her leadership and support her policy agenda.
Takaichi has outlined priorities that include economic reform and strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities. She has also expressed a desire to revise Article 9 of Japan’s constitution, which renounces war. Such a revision has not been undertaken since the constitution was enacted in 1947.
In November 2025, Takaichi addressed legislators regarding regional security, stating that military action by China against Taiwan would constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan and could prompt a military response from Tokyo.
