Japan’s Leader Makes a Bold Election Bet. Here’s What to Know. NYT Par :Javier C. Hernández 8 février 2026 à 02:23 Sanae Takaichi, who has proved popular as the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, hopes to bolster her power in a snap election. But she faces hurdles. © Kim Kyung-Hoon/ReutersPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi standing atop a vehicle during an election campaign in Tokyo on Saturday.