Sanae Takaichi, Japan's Prime Minister, appears to have successfully navigated a challenging political landscape with the '36-year winter House of Representatives election,' where despite forecasts of low voter turnout due to heavy snow and frigid temperatures, the 'Takaichi wind' surged. Exit polls by NHK indicated that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is expected to secure between 274 and 328 seats out of a total of 465, surpassing Takaichi’s benchmark of achieving a majority with at least 233 seats. This success marks a significant victory for a leader who was once expected to be short-lived in office.

The LDP's success can be attributed largely to Takaichi herself, who has transformed public perception since her assumption of office. Initially viewed as a weak leader, Takaichi's conservative policies have resonated with the electorate, resulting in a surge in cabinet approval ratings to between 60% and 70%. In an effort to shift the political makeup, Takaichi called for an early dissolution of the House of Representatives last month, leading to an election that occurred just 16 days later. This election marks Japan’s first winter election since 1990 and is noteworthy for being the shortest time between the dissolution and voting in post-World War II Japan.

Throughout the campaign, the LDP adopted a strategy heavily reliant on Takaichi's personal popularity, framing the election as a referendum on her leadership. This approach included candidates emphasizing their alignment with Takaichi's agenda under the banner of a 'strong Japan.' Key elements of her platform included proposals for strengthening military capabilities via revisions to critical security documents, amending the constitution for a legal basis for the Self-Defense Forces, and implementing stricter foreign regulations including a spy prevention law. Such policies have appealed to conservative voters, further solidifying Takaichi's political position and signaling a rightward shift in Japanese politics.