Japan PM Takaichi’s Party Set for Landslide Win, Asahi Poll Finds

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling party is on track for a landslide victory in next week’s lower house election, according to a new survey by the Asahi newspaper.

A strong result in Sunday’s vote would strengthen Takaichi’s hold on her party and give her a clear mandate to pursue expansionary fiscal policies. Such policies could raise concerns about Japan’s public finances and put upward pressure on government bond yields.

The poll suggests that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is likely to win well above the 233 seats needed for a majority in the 465-member lower house. The party is projected to secure more than its current 198 seats.

Together with its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), the ruling bloc is expected to capture around 300 seats, according to the survey.

Meanwhile, the main opposition force, the Centrist Reform Alliance, is struggling and could lose as many as half of its current 167 seats.

At present, Takaichi’s coalition holds a narrow majority in the lower house but remains in the minority in the upper house. A decisive victory would significantly strengthen the government’s legislative position.