Takaichi Vows to Push through Key Policy Measures (Update 1)

The Japan News

18:26 JST, February 9, 2026

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday vowed to push through key policy measures pledged in the Liberal Democratic Party’s election platform, after obtaining a mandate from the public in Sunday’s House of Representatives election.

“This was an election in which we asked the people whether the coalition of the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party should proceed with a key policy shift, before starting full-fledged discussions in the Diet. And I repeatedly said I would stake my position [as prime minister] on that,” Takaichi said at a press conference on Monday evening.

“The people gave us a strong push forward, giving us the greenlight to push this policy shift through to the end,” she said. Takaichi is also president of the LDP.

Takaichi cited measures for “responsible and proactive public finances,” fundamentally strengthening security policy and enhancing the government’s intelligence capabilities as the key policy initiatives touted by her Cabinet.

“It is crucial for the LDP to unite, building upon the campaign pledges we made to the people. We can’t afford to bask in the afterglow of victory,” she said. “We will promptly convene a special Diet session and work to pass next fiscal year’s budget and related bills as quickly as possible.”

Takaichi also expressed her intention to seek to amend the Constitution, with an eye on Japan’s future.

“A nation that does not challenge itself has no future. Throughout this campaign, I have repeatedly emphasized this point,” she said. “In this election, the people have chosen to take on these challenges alongside me.”