Sanae Takaichi Officially Returns as Japan's Prime Minister After Election Victory

Sanae Takaichi has been officially reappointed as Prime Minister of Japan, continuing her leadership following a decisive election victory.

As reported by AFP on Wednesday (18/2/2026), the appointment was made ten days after Takaichi’s victory. Takaichi became Japan’s first female Prime Minister in October and secured a two-thirds majority for her party in the snap lower house elections held on 8 February.

Takaichi said she believed her election victory reflected the public’s desire for “significant policy shifts”.

“[Including] responsible and proactive fiscal policy, fundamental strengthening of security policy, and enhancement of government intelligence capabilities,” she said.

Takaichi also plans to introduce legislation to establish a National Intelligence Agency.

In a policy speech expected to take place on Friday, Takaichi will pledge to update Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) strategic framework, according to local media reports.

“Compared to when FOIP was first proposed, the international situation and security environment surrounding Japan have become considerably worse,” chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara said on Monday.