Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has secured a historic supermajority in the Lower House election held on February 8, 2026, fundamentally reshaping the country's political landscape in ways that will affect all residents, including foreign nationals. According to NHK, the LDP won 316 seats out of 465 total seats in the House of Representatives, surpassing the 310 seats needed for a two-thirds supermajority. This represents a gain of 115 seats and marks one of the largest electoral victories in the party's history. The result gives the ruling party unprecedented legislative power to pass bills and potentially amend the constitution without requiring support from opposition parties. The coalition government, comprising the LDP and its partner Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), secured 261 seats, well above the absolute stable majority threshold. Prime Minister's post-election comments indicated openness to continued coalition governance, stating the administration would welcome partners to work together, according to Livedoor News reports. For foreign residents in Japan, this supermajority has significant implications. The LDP now possesses the constitutional authority to propose amendments to Japan's 1947 constitution, which requires approval by two-thirds of both houses of parliament before going to a national referendum. While any constitutional changes would take considerable time and public debate, the party's strengthened position means policy proposals can advance more rapidly through the legislative process. The election dealt a devastating blow to the opposition Chūdō Kaikaku Rengō (Centrist Reform Alliance), which secured only 49 seats. Party officials described the outcome as not merely a defeat but a "complete destruction," with some questioning whether the party could continue functioning. Azumi Atsushi, the party's co-secretary general, announced his intention to resign following the massive losses, according to Livedoor News. The opposition's collapse included high-profile casualties, including veteran politician Ozawa Ichiro, who lost his seat in Iwate District 3 to an LDP challenger. Ozawa, a significant figure in Japanese politics for decades, had been considered a heavyweight within the Centrist Reform Alliance. What does this mean for expats? A strengthened ruling party typically brings policy stability and continuity, which can be beneficial for long-term planning regarding visas, taxation, and business regulations. However, it also means less legislative debate and fewer checks on government proposals. Foreign residents should monitor policy developments in areas affecting them, including immigration reform, taxation changes, and international relations. The LDP has historically maintained pro-business policies and strong international alliances, particularly with the United States. The party's platform generally supports controlled immigration to address labor shortages, though it has been cautious about large-scale changes to immigration policy. With this mandate, the government may feel emboldened to address demographic challenges more aggressively, potentially creating new opportunities for skilled foreign workers. Experts suggest that the supermajority could accelerate discussions on defense policy, economic reforms, and constitutional revision. For foreign residents, staying informed about these developments through official channels and English-language news sources will be increasingly important. The voter turnout and final tallies were confirmed by NHK, with all 465 seats decided across single-member districts and proportional representation blocks. The results represent a clear mandate from Japanese voters, though the implications of such concentrated political power will unfold over the coming months and years. Foreign residents should continue monitoring government announcements regarding policy changes that may affect visa regulations, tax obligations, and residency requirements as the new parliamentary session begins.