FLASH
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Voters across Japan are braving heavy snowfall as they cast their ballots in a snap election called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, whose coalition is expected to secure a decisive victory, according to polls.
This is the first mid-winter election in 36 years in Japan, which usually holds elections during milder weather. But Takaichi called the election to seek the public mandate soon after winning the party leadership race.
Polls show that her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) coalition with the populist Japan Innovation Party could secure up to 300 of the 465 seats in the Lower House.
This is a turnaround for the LDP, which lost its decades-long coalition ally and parliamentary majority due to corruption scandals and rising costs.
After two LDP prime ministers resigned and their approval ratings fell sharply, Takaihi has emerged as a popular candidate with voters.
She appears to have won them over by offering tax cuts and subsidies. But critics are skeptical that her promise to spend more will help a sluggish Japanese economy, given that the country's government debt is one of the highest among developed countries.
Observers say Takaichi's personal popularity could help boost the LDP's performance in this election. But the snow could disrupt voter turnout, especially in northern and eastern regions.
Early voting turnout this time, which was reported to be nearly 4.6 million people, was 2.5% lower than the last election in 2024. The drop has been attributed to the weather.
Several areas, including Niigata Prefecture in central Japan, reported heavy snowfall on Sunday. Japan's Transport Ministry said 37 train lines and 58 ferry routes were closed and 54 flights were canceled as of Sunday morning. Tokyo saw a rare snowfall as people headed to the polls.
An admirer of former UK leader Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi has long pursued the ambition of becoming Japan’s “Iron Lady.” A known ally of Japan’s late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she supports similar positions, including strong protectionist and nationalist policies.
Despite her traditional views on gender and family, Takaichi has proven particularly popular among young voters aged 18 to 30, polls show. Approval ratings for her government have largely been above 70% since she first took office in October.
She has gained a large following on social media, with 2.6 million followers on X. The LDP campaign video, which she directed, was streamed over 100 million times in less than 10 days.
The 64-year-old has suddenly become an unexpected fashion icon, as "sanakatsu," which roughly translates to "Sanae-mania," has spread.
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