Japan Elections: Takaichi Asks Voters To Judge Her on Economy, China
Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has taken a major political gamble, dissolving parliament less than three months after taking office and calling a snap election that effectively puts her leadership on the line. The move comes amid economic strain, a fractured ruling coalition, and rising regional security tensions driven in large part by China’s actions around Taiwan. Takaichi is seeking a renewed mandate to advance her economic agenda, secure a clearer parliamentary majority and pursue a tougher security posture. But does this rapid political reset promise stability — or greater uncertainty for Japan and the region? In this episode, we analyze the risks and calculations behind Japan’s snap election, possible outcomes, and what the vote could mean for Japan’s security policy, regional partners and Taiwan. *Recorded on January 22, 2026 at 3:30pm Taiwan Standard Time Host: Ethan Liu Producer: Tina Hsu Our guests: Kuo Yu-jen - National Sun Yat-sen University Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies Professor and Director Yu-hua Chen - Akita International University Assistant Professor
