The latest elections in Japan have seen the ruling party secure more than two-thirds of the parliamentary seats. This victory ensures a strong governing mandate for the party, providing a potentially stable political climate for the coming term. While there has been no report on party promises or politics, the proportion of seats won suggests a public vote of confidence in their leadership. The immediate implications of the election result on policy direction and foreign relations are yet to be determined.

Elections play a significant role in Japanese political life. The democratic structures of government rest on the principle of representation, and therefore, who controls the majority in parliament truly matters. With a supermajority, the ruling party can essentially shape the political landscape, unobstructed. Japanese society tends to value stability and continuity, which the latest result might signify, so is likely to be viewed positively by many.

In the US and EU, acquiring a majority in a parliamentary or congressional body is similarly important as it determines who sets the legislative agenda. However, the level of control can vary depending on the political system. In the US, for example, power is divided among three branches to prevent one group from obtaining too much authority. In contrast, while EU Parliament can influence legislation, the EU Commission has the exclusive right to propose laws.