key takeaways
- Although snowy conditions across much of Japan could impact turnout in competitive races, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) remains on track for a significant victory in the 8 February general election.
- The magnitude of the LDP’s victory will have subtle implications for Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s government, including her control of the Diet, her management of the LDP, and the LDP’s partnership with Ishin no Kai.
- However, the opposition’s performance – whether the Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA) exceeds expectations and whether the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) and Sanseitō are able to weather the headwinds caused by Takaichi’s popularity – will be highly revealing about the state of political competition in the coming years.
Japan Foresight 