Japan's political landscape just got a major shakeup! The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan Innovation Party (JIP) secured a two-thirds supermajority in Sunday’s House of Representatives election, according to NHK. This gives them the power to override the upper house—a game-changer for policy decisions in 2026. 🚨
The LDP alone grabbed 316 seats (up from 198!), making it the biggest solo power play in years. Meanwhile, junior partner JIP added just two seats, leaving analysts questioning its future influence. 💼
Opposition parties took a brutal hit: The Centrist Reform Alliance—formed in January 2026—collapsed from 172 seats to 49. Leaders Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito hinted at resigning, calling the loss a 'wake-up call.' 😬
Newcomers made waves too: Populist Sanseito surged from 2 to 15 seats, while the Democratic Party for the People held steady. ❄️ Fun(?) fact: This was Japan’s first February election since 1990—Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s snowy gamble drew criticism but didn’t stop voters!
