Japan’s ruling LDP seen winning outright majority in snap poll: NHK

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has likely strengthened its majority in the country’s Lower House, with the LDP trailing between 274 and 328 in the 465-seat legislature, according to early estimates from broadcaster NHK.

This was generally in line with: What did the surveys suggest? Nikkei And Asahi Shimbun He predicts the LDP and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, will secure more than that There are 300 seats in the Lower House.

Citizens in many parts of the country cast their votes due to heavy snowfall.

Before parliament was dissolved, the LDP-JIP coalition had a total of 230 seats, and the three independents voting with the LDP gave the ruling coalition a de facto one-seat majority in parliament.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the Lower House on January 23; this move was seen as an attempt by the ruling coalition to quickly strengthen its position in parliament by taking advantage of high public approval.

Surveys compiled by Japanese media outlet Nippon.com It showed that Takaichi remained popular heading into the election, but his support had waned slightly in recent weeks.

The publication reported that only one domestic poll in January showed more than 70% support, up from three polls in December, while six polls showed support in the 60% range, up from four polls in the previous month.

The election comes at a time when tensions between Japan and China are rising and there are persistent concerns about the weakness of the yen and inflation in the country.

Japan has endured 45 consecutive months of inflation above the Bank of Japan’s target, falling real wages and persistent weakness in the yen.

The latest inflation reading stood at 2.1%, while full year inflation reached 3.2%. Real wages fell In 2025, real wages have fallen for 11 consecutive months compared to the same period in the previous year, and on an annual basis every year since 2022.

The yen weakened further at the beginning of 2026, briefly approaching the 160 level against the US dollar. While a weaker currency benefited exporters, it also increased import inflation.

Takaichi had set a record budget of $783 billion for the next fiscal year, starting April 1, in addition to the $135 billion stimulus package introduced last year to help households with rising costs of living.

— This is a developing story. Please check back for details.