Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, declared there is “no time to linger in the afterglow of victory” after her ruling coalition scored a super‑majority in a rare mid‑winter snap lower house election, securing at least two‑thirds of seats. She said voters had given her a powerful mandate for a major policy shift, including “responsible and proactive” fiscal measures, a fundamental strengthening of Japan’s security policy, and bolstered intelligence capabilities. Takaichi pledged to swiftly convene a special Diet session to pass next year’s budget and related bills, and signaled plans to visit the United States as early as next month. Watch for more