Ep. 57 | Takaichi’s Triumph

Vandenberg Flash Focus · Feb 12, 2026 · 35m

Last Sunday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party secured a sweeping two-thirds majority in Japan’s Lower House following snap elections. The decisive win comes at a critical juncture for Japan as it redefines its role in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China, a deepening partnership with the United States, and growing domestic support for strengthening the country’s military and defense capabilities. Ken Weinstein, Japan Chair at Hudson Institute, joins Flash Focus to unpack the election results, examine Takaichi’s rapid ascent and widespread appeal…