Tokyo: Japan’s Parliament on Wednesday officially reappointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to form her second Cabinet, following her decisive election victory that gave her party sweeping control of the lower house. While largely a procedural step, the move signals the beginning of a potentially sharper shift in Japan’s political landscape.
All members of Sanae Takaichi previous Cabinet are expected to retain their positions, emphasizing continuity as she seeks to leverage the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) commanding majority.
Supermajority Strengthens Legislative Power
With a two-thirds majority in the 465-seat lower house, Japan’s more influential parliamentary chamber, Takaichi now holds considerable legislative power. The supermajority allows the LDP-led coalition to dominate key committee positions and override bills rejected by the upper house, where the party lacks a majority.
The electoral win gives Sanae Takaichi a rare opportunity to pursue her agenda, which includes expanding Japan’s military capabilities, boosting arms exports, tightening immigration rules, and reinforcing conservative social policies. Among her priorities are maintaining male-only imperial succession and preserving traditions that require married women to relinquish their surnames—a long-standing subject of criticism.
Constitutional Reform Likely Delayed
Although Sanae Takaichi has expressed a long-term desire to revise Japan’s postwar pacifist Constitution, drafted by the U.S. after World War II, pressing domestic challenges may postpone such reforms. She must address rising consumer prices, stagnant wages, demographic decline, and regional security concerns before pursuing constitutional changes.
Her immediate focus is expected to be economic relief. A delayed budget bill will be prioritised to fund measures aimed at easing household burdens, including a two-year sales tax cut on food products designed to mitigate rising living costs for families.
Strengthening Economic Ties With the United States
On the international front, Sanae Takaichi is preparing for a high-profile summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled ahead of his visit to Beijing in April. Trump had publicly endorsed Takaichi during Japan’s election campaign.
Hours before her reappointment, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed Japan would provide capital for three projects under a previously announced $550 billion investment package, with Japan committing the first $36 billion tranche. The projects include a natural gas plant in Ohio, a crude oil export facility on the U.S. Gulf Coast, and a synthetic diamond manufacturing site.