Diet Re-elects Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister of Japan After LDP Landslide

Japan’s parliament re-elected Sanae Takaichi as prime minister on Feb. 18 following the Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide victory in the Feb. 8 lower-house election.

“Sanae Takaichi set to be reelected Japanese prime minister - Global Times WORLD / ASIA-PACIFIC Sanae Takaichi set to be reelected Japanese prime minister By Xinhua Published: Feb 18, 2026 02:09 PM Sanae Takaichi, president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, secured appointment in the powerful lower house as prime minister without a runoff vote on Wednesday”

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The Diet convened a special session to confirm her return to office.

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Sources differ: some outlets report the confirmation took place in the House of Representatives, while others say the Diet voted in both chambers.

Several outlets described the parliamentary session as 'special' or noted a 150-day Diet period.

In line with the Constitution, several sources report that Takaichi’s entire cabinet submitted a collective resignation before the special session.

She was then confirmed by the lower house.

Associated Press of Pakistan

Kyodo and local reports say a new cabinet unveiling was expected the same day.

One source records the precise vote tally in the lower-house designation.

Takaichi and the reporting outlets outline a policy agenda centered on an assertive fiscal stance and stepped-up security measures.

“By HOU JUNJIE in Tokyo | chinadaily”

China Daily - Global Edition

Multiple sources describe plans to pursue a "responsible yet aggressive" or "responsible proactive" fiscal policy that includes seeking suspension or cuts to the consumption tax on food, while Japan Wire and 아시아경제 provide longer lists of security proposals and constitutional aims.

Reporting notes the LDP’s two-thirds-plus victory in the lower house and a new coalition with the Japan Innovation Party.

Kyodo-focused pieces add detail on opposition realignment and the election of the lower house speaker and vice speaker.

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Some sources highlight diplomatic sensitivities and potential friction with China tied to Takaichi’s past remarks about Taiwan.

Most sources say Takaichi planned to formally launch her second cabinet and hold a press conference to set out priorities.

“Japan's House of Representatives reelected Sanae Takaichi as prime minister in parliament today, ten days after her Liberal Democratic Party's historic landslide victory in the general election held on Feb”

Gulf Times

Several sources indicate the current Diet session will be long enough to pursue contested items such as constitutional revision and a 2026 budget.

Gulf Times

Reporting varies on whether ministers were reshuffled: some outlets state she reappointed the same ministers, while others note only that a new cabinet would be unveiled.