Japan is experiencing a major snowstorm on election day, with heavy snowfall covering vast areas across the country. There are concerns that the record-breaking snowfall in several regions may affect voter turnout.
Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reported that about 40% of polling stations nationwide may have to close earlier than scheduled due to severe weather conditions and safety risks.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a severe heavy snow warning for several prefectures, including Tottori, Fukui, and Kyoto, after a strong winter pressure system swept across coastal areas from northern to western Japan.
In the western part of the Kinki region, snowfall accumulation is expected to reach approximately 70 centimeters within 24 hours. Meanwhile, central Kanto, including Tokyo, has experienced continuous snow since Saturday, resulting in about 5 centimeters of snow covering the city.
Previously, northern Japan faced weeks of continuous heavy snowfall, leading to the closure of many roads, paralysis of transportation, and reports of dozens of fatalities nationwide related to snow-related accidents.
Nevertheless, despite the severe weather, some eligible voters braved the snow to cast their ballots and participate in the political process. This marks the first time in several decades that Japan is holding a general election in February amid heavy snowfall.
As of 14:00 local time, voter turnout was at 16.05%, down 3.07 percentage points compared to the previous Lower House election in 2024.
However, opinion polls indicate that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Takaichi, which has held power almost continuously for decades, is likely to secure more than 233 seats to regain a majority in the 465-seat Lower House without difficulty.
Some polls even estimate that the LDP and its coalition partners could win up to 310 seats, giving the government a two-thirds majority — the best result since 2017 during the era of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was a political advisor to Takaichi.
Despite high popularity, Takaichi faces tough questions regarding fiscal discipline after announcing a $135 billion economic stimulus package to ease inflationary pressures, along with a pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food.
Currently, Japan's public debt exceeds twice its GDP, while long-term bond yields have hit record highs and the yen has experienced significant volatility.
Source: AP
Click to read more on Japan's election news