Japan: Sanae Takaichi wins elections: Who is the country’s first female leader?

Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi won a landslide victory on Sunday (February 8, 2026) in a surprise snap election.

Her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partners won a two-thirds majority in the 465-seat House of Representatives.

Ms. Takaichi, made headlines on October 21, 2025 and became the first woman leader of a country known for its male-dominated political landscape.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi wins Donald Trump’s full endorsement ahead of snap election

Here’s all you need to know about the Prime Minister.