Japan PM Takaichi Secures Landslide Poll Victory. What Lies Ahead?

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has led her ruling coalition to a landslide win in a snap winter election by bagging 316 seats, well above the 261 needed for a majority in the 465-member lower house. (Image: Network18)

Just over 100 days after taking office, the country's first woman PM took a gamble by calling a snap election. (Image: Network18)

The result is the party’s best performance since its formation in 1955, beating the previous 300-seat record set in 1986. (Image: Network18)

This win will grant PM Takaichi more control over the legislative agenda while reducing reliance on smaller coalition partners. (Network18)

Before entering politics, Sanae Takaichi had a brief stint as a television host. A former heavy metal drummer, she is infamous for snapping drumsticks mid-performance. (Netwrok18)

Takaichi faces several challenges such as inflation, labour shortages as the population ages. Immigration has also become a sensitive political issue. (Network18)

Some of the issues on Takaichi's agenda are large government spending programmes to spur growth, concerns over high public debt and faster increase in defence spending. (Network18)

Takaichi has said Japan would take a firm stand in defending its sovereignty, including its territorial waters and airspace. (Network18)