Polling stations opened in Japan for the parliamentary lower house elections, marking a significant moment as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks to leverage her early popularity since taking office as Japan's first female prime minister in October. The snap election was called in January, reflecting a strategy aimed at solidifying her party's position following favorable early reception from the public.

Takaichi's conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), along with its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (JIP), is currently in a tenuous position, holding a slim majority in the lower house. However, recent opinion polls indicate a favorable outcome for the LDP, which is projected to secure more than the 233 seats necessary for an outright majority in the 465-seat chamber. This election could significantly impact Japan's political landscape, especially given the recent shifts in leadership and public sentiment.

As voters head to the polls, the campaign's outcome will not only shape the future of Takaichi's administration but also influence broader governmental initiatives and policies moving forward. With polling closing at 8 PM local time, the results will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, providing insight into the direction Japan is heading under Takaichi's leadership.