On February 18, 2026, Sanae Takaichi was reappointed as Japan's Prime Minister following a historic landslide election victory where her party secured a two-thirds majority in the snap elections held on February 8. Takaichi's strong public mandate was underscored by receiving 354 votes in the House of Representatives. In her upcoming policy speech, she is expected to address Japan's defense strategies amid rising tensions with China, particularly regarding Taiwan. Takaichi has pledged to bolster Japan's defenses, which may further strain relations with Beijing, as noted by chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara, who remarked on the significantly more severe international security environment surrounding Japan. Furthermore, Takaichi's administration is focusing on restoring Japan's economic competitiveness and enhancing its strategic relevance, reflecting continuity with the Abe administration, as highlighted by public policy analyst Sanjaya Baru.