Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has won a landslide victory in Sunday’s snap general election, strengthening her grip on power and marking a major turnaround for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, has enjoyed high approval ratings since taking office more than four months ago, boosted by her strong work ethic, active social media presence, and popular public image.

Her decision to call an early election was seen as a political risk, aimed at consolidating support for the LDP after recent scandals. The move paid off, with the party winning more than 310 of the 465 seats in the lower house. The ruling coalition secured over 340 seats, giving it a two-thirds majority.

The result allows the government to override upper house decisions and initiate constitutional amendments.

Takaichi rose to power last year after the resignation of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. She won the LDP leadership in October and was elected prime minister shortly after, in a breakthrough for women in Japanese politics.

She had earlier described dissolving parliament as a “profoundly weighty” decision, saying she was risking her position.

Analysts say the victory has strengthened her mandate and positioned her to pursue major political and constitutional reforms.