A “supermajority” (two-thirds of the seats) is the “holy grail” of Japanese politics. It is the minimum threshold required to initiate a formal amendment to the 1947 Constitution. While the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has long dominated Japanese politics, it has rarely held this level of unchecked power, which effectively “fast-tracks” Takaichi’s conservative agenda.

The Article 9 Revision

The centerpiece of Takaichi’s platform is the revision of Article 9, the “peace clause.”

• Current Status: The clause stipulates that Japan “forever renounces war” and that “land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained.”

• The Goal: Takaichi seeks to formalize the status of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), transforming them into a standard national military. This would allow for greater offensive capabilities and more flexible cooperation with allies like the United States.

Regional Friction and “Historical Tensions”

The landslide victory has sent shockwaves through East Asia, where memories of the mid-20th century remain a potent political force.

The Reaction from Beijing and Seoul

• China: Beijing has signaled that a more militarized Japan is a “red line.” They argue that moving away from pacifism threatens the regional status quo and could lead to a renewed arms race in the South and East China Seas.

• South Korea: While the relationship between Tokyo and Seoul has thawed recently, a shift toward right-wing nationalism often reignites disputes over wartime history and territorial claims.

• The “Stability” Paradox: Takaichi’s supporters argue that a stronger Japan creates a “balance of power” that deters aggression, while critics argue it creates a “security dilemma” that makes conflict more likely.

Takaichi’s Political Philosophy

Sanae Takaichi has often been compared to Margaret Thatcher due to her uncompromising stance on national sovereignty and her “Takaichinomics”—a blend of fiscal stimulus and aggressive industrial policy. Her leadership style marks a departure from the traditional Japanese consensus-based politics toward a more decisive, top-down approach.

Key Pillars of the New Era:

1. Defense Spending: Pushing toward the NATO standard of 2% of GDP.

2. Economic Security: Reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains, particularly in semiconductors.

3. National Identity: A return to traditional values and a more assertive presentation of Japanese history.

What Happens Next?

Securing the supermajority is only the first step. To change the Constitution, Takaichi must:

1. Pass the proposal through both houses of the Diet with a two-thirds majority.

2. Win a national referendum, where a simple majority of the Japanese public must vote “Yes.”

While Takaichi has the numbers in the Diet, the Japanese public remains deeply divided over the pacifist legacy. The coming months will likely see intense nationwide debates as the Prime Minister attempts to sell her vision of a “Normal Japan” to a cautious electorate.