Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's Snap Election Gamble: Will it Pay Off?

• Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first woman Prime Minister, called a snap election months after taking office, aiming to expand her party's parliamentary majority.
• Takaichi, a protégé of Shinzo Abe, became PM in October 2024 after the LDP chose her over Shinjiro Koizumi, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba.
• Despite controversies like a sales tax suspension and comments on Taiwan, Takaichi maintains high approval ratings, especially among youth, leveraging social media and a 'fashion icon' image.
• The snap election is a bid to capitalize on her popularity, with polls suggesting her coalition could secure up to 300 seats in the 465-seat Lower House.
• Challenges include ensuring youth voter turnout, public concerns over the economy, the rise of the far-right Sanseito party, and potential low turnout due to mid-winter weather.