Heavy Snowfall Mars Start of Crucial Japanese Lower House Election

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the nationwide election in Japan to select representatives for the country’s parliament commenced today, amidst worries that intense snowfall could suppress voter turnout. Sanae Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female Prime Minister upon her election last October, voiced her hope that the ruling coalition, comprising the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party, would successfully capture the majority of seats.

Takaichi has publicly stated that she will tender her immediate resignation should the ruling alliance not secure a sufficient majority in the House of Representatives. Approximately 1,300 candidates are competing for the 465 available seats in this crucial contest.

Key political parties heavily featured tax reduction pledges during their respective election campaigns, aiming to provide financial relief to households grappling with the rising costs of living. Prior to this election, the Liberal Democratic Party held 198 seats, the Japan Innovation Party controlled 34 seats, and the moderate Reformist Alliance secured 167 seats.

Takaichi’s decision to call an early election has drawn criticism from various quarters, primarily because the snap poll has caused delays in finalizing the initial budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which was constitutionally mandated to be approved by the end of March.