Japan election: PM Takaichi’s conservative vision at stake in snap vote

Japan is holding a winter election for the first time since 1990, with polls indicating a decisive victory for the governing coalition led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Her administration has introduced a record defence budget, making Japan the world's third-largest military spender, amid rising tensions with North Korea and China. Takaichi's hardline stance on immigration and suggestions of potential intervention over Taiwan have drawn both support from right-wing voters and criticism for fostering nationalism. Whilst some voters back her security policies, others express concern over cost-of-living pressures and the risks of regional conflict. Al Jazeera's Patrick Fok reports from Tokyo, Japan. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X : https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #Japan #JapanElection #SanaeTakaichi #JapanPolitics #JapanSnapElection2026 #JapanDefence #NorthKoreaThreat #JapanChinaTensions #JapanImmigration #AlJazeeraEnglish