Voting has begun for the national elections in Japan.

Voting has commenced in Japan’s national election, with polls opening today, Sunday, 8 February, at 8:00 a.m. local time. Citizens across the country are casting their ballots to determine the composition of the lower house of the Japanese Parliament, a contest that could significantly reshape the nation’s political landscape.

A total of 1,284 candidates are vying for 465 seats in the House of Representatives. Of these, 289 members will be elected directly from single-member constituencies, while the remaining 176 seats will be filled through proportional representation across 11 regional blocs.

The snap election was called after Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae dissolved Parliament on 23 January. At the time, she announced that the early election would be held on 8 February. Takaichi made history last October by becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister. Despite assuming office just a few months ago, her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) held only a slim majority in the lower house. Seeking a stronger mandate to implement her agenda, Takaichi opted to trigger an early election immediately after taking office.

The election pits the ruling Liberal Democratic Party against the main opposition, the Japan Innovation Party, in a closely watched battle for control of the House. The outcome will determine not only which party secures a parliamentary majority and forms the government but also the political future of Prime Minister Takaichi herself.

Voting will continue across Japan until 8:00 p.m. local time. Due to the large number of constituencies and proportional representation seats, vote counting is expected to continue through the night before final results are announced.

Current opinion polls suggest that the LDP is likely to retain the largest number of seats in Parliament, though the exact margin remains uncertain. Analysts note that even a modest shift in voter sentiment could influence coalition dynamics and the government’s legislative agenda.

House of Representatives Seat Distribution

As Japan heads to the polls, all eyes are on voter turnout and how the electorate will respond to the country’s first female Prime Minister. The results of this election are poised to have lasting implications for Japan’s domestic policies and its role on the international stage.