STORY: Polls opened across Japan on Sunday (February 8) in an election expected to hand Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a resounding win, although record snowfall in parts of the country could keep many voters at home.

The conservative coalition of Takaichi, the nation's first female leader, could win more than 300 of the 465 seats in the lower house of parliament, according to multiple opinion polls, a large gain from the 233 it is defending.

Takaichi, 64, who became prime minister in October after being selected LDP leader, sought a mandate from voters in a rare winter election as she rides a wave of popularity.

She has vowed to step down if the governing coalition loses its majority.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: TOKYO, JAPAN (FEBRUARY 8, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF VOTERS CASTING BALLOTS, BALLOT BOXES

2. INTERIOR OF POLLING STATION

3. VOTER REGISTERING AND COLLECTING BALLOT PAPERS

4. VOTERS FILLING IN BALLOTS

5. VARIOUS OF VOTERS CASTING BALLOTS

6. WOMAN WITH BABY VOTING

7. PERSON CASTING BALLOTS

8. VARIOUS OF VOTERS FILLING IN BALLOTS AND CASTING VOTES

9. SNOWY STREET OUTSIDE POLLING STATION

10. VARIOUS OF POLLING STATION ENTRANCE

11. VARIOUS OF ELECTION POSTERS ON STREET