Bonus: Japan PM’s landslide election win

日本首相的压倒性选举胜利

Asia Specific

2026-02-09

12 分钟
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单集简介 ...

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi now has the mandate she's been seeking, after a record-breaking election win. But since becoming the nation’s first female leader in October, her time in office has been overshadowed by a bitter dispute with Beijing. Japanese tourism, seafood and entertainment businesses have taken the brunt of Chinese economic retaliation. Beijing remains angry that Takaichi indirectly suggested Japan’s military may get involved if China one day invades Taiwan. So with the weight of Japanese voters behind her, how will her victory shape her approach to China and Japan’s place in the region? Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by the BBC’s Japan correspondent Shaimaa Khalil. Asia Specific brings Asia Pacific stories, unpacked by those who know it best. We bring you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on the BBC World Service YouTube channel, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
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  • Sanae Takaiichi bet her leadership on this election and, one,

  • she bet that her personal popularity can turn things around for her unpopular Liberal Democratic Party long governing but deeply tainted by financial scandal and it worked.

  • It was a big risk and an even bigger reward.

  • The Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaiichi,

  • wanted a mandate from voters after being appointed as the country's first female leader just four months ago.

  • So she called a snap election and it really paid off.

  • Despite a heated diplomatic dispute with China that's heard some Japanese businesses,

  • voters gave her party an overwhelming majority in the lower house of parliament.

  • So after such a big landslide victory, the question now, what is Sanae Takaiji's vision for Japan?

  • And what does it mean for the relationship with a superpower next door?

  • Hi!

  • I'm Mariko Oi in Singapore and this is a special bonus episode of Asia Specific.

  • Sanae Takaiji's larger than expected victory is a significant story in the region and we're here to bring you essential insight on what is going on.

  • You'll still get our regular twice weekly episodes as normal too.

  • We're recording this on the 9th of February.