Early elections for the House of Representatives in Japan have officially started, with polling places opening at 7:00 AM local time. The elections were called by conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi, who is leveraging her popularity, especially among young voters, to secure a stronger mandate for her ruling coalition led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). As the first woman to head the government, Takaiichi was appointed last October after becoming the first female leader of the LDP.

The elections will determine all 465 seats in the lower house of the Japanese Parliament, with 289 members elected from single-member districts and 176 elected through proportional representation in 11 electoral blocks. Takaiichi had dissolved the lower house at the end of January to call for the early elections, showcasing her strategy to solidify her party’s standing despite its comparatively lower popularity compared to her personal appeal as a leader.

This election holds significant implications for Japan's political landscape, particularly concerning the direction of policies under Takaiichi's leadership and the likely outcomes for her conservative agenda. Voter turnout and the overall sentiment towards the LDP will be crucial in evaluating whether Takaiichi’s move will bolster her government or present challenges ahead as public opinion continues to fluctuate in a changing political environment.