Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

As Sanae Takaichi's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a victory in the House of Representatives in Sunday's election, the world is wondering where the Japanese prime minister will lead Japan. For now, the answer is quite concerning.

The election result has led to an extreme concentration of power in Takaichi's hands. Following this election, the LDP secured more than two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives on its own. This means that Takaichi's proposed policies will face virtually no obstacles. The opposition is now entirely powerless to act as a counterweight, rendering the Diet's original oversight function effectively obsolete.

This outcome stems from a period where previous Japanese political landscape was fractured by factions, failing to provide effective leadership. Consequently, the result of this election granted the LDP and Takaichi a mandate that far exceeds expectations, which is concerning. 

Given Takaichi's previous advocacy for constitutional revision and the lifting of bans on arms exports, she is likely to launch a series of related initiatives. While she promotes Japan becoming a "normal country," her definition essentially entails amending the current Constitution to break with the principle of "exclusive defense." In her vision, Japan should no longer be restricted to defending itself only when directly attacked; instead, it should actively exercise the right to collective self-defense and be prepared to take proactive action. Strengthening defense capabilities is central to achieving this goal, and this election result has cleared the path for this process.

It can be said that the national model Takaichi envisions will dictate Japan's future direction - transforming the country from a "peace-loving nation" into one characterized by excessive military might. The acceleration of Japan's defense capabilities and the strengthening of its intelligence apparatus will pose a greater threat to regional security than in the past. This shift is neither beneficial for the Japanese people nor welcomed by East Asian nations. It will inevitably trigger countermeasures from neighboring countries, potentially serving as the catalyst for a regional arms race.

Concerns are already surfacing on Japanese social media that the country is gradually becoming a "warfare state." The possibility of a highly militarized and increasingly dangerous Japan is growing, which could lead to a total collapse of the mutual trust built between Japan and other Asian countries over the past 80 years.

Regarding China-Japan relations, Takaichi is likely to further engage in provocative actions, including visits to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines Class-A war criminals from World War II. Given that bilateral relations are already deteriorating, a short-term improvement is unlikely. Furthermore, the LDP's election manifesto specifically stated that "peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits are important" - a phrasing viewed by many countries as blatant interference, further straining the relationship with China.

Based on the result of the election, the Takaichi administration is well-positioned for a long tenure. By securing the majority of seats in the House of Representatives, she not only wields absolute legislative power but also possesses the necessary conditions to propose constitutional amendments. 

Noticeably, Japan's economy continues to grapple with a series of challenges: sluggish economic growth, rising government debt, and an aging and shrinking workforce. The Takaichi administration has blindly diverted resources toward military expansion. This approach has not only failed to alleviate economic difficulties but has also exacerbated fiscal burdens and social tensions due to strategic misalignment. In the foreseeable future, the Japanese economy is likely to remain sluggish. Economic issues may ultimately prove to be the critical factor that undermines the Takaichi administration. 

In fact, Japan needs to return to its previous development path centered on diplomacy and remain committed to its identity as a peaceful nation. 

Japan must take the feelings and concerns of other countries into account. Ultimately, in the joint communique between Japan and China in 1972, Japan made specific commitments toward China. Many of the current issues stem from Japan's failure to effectively fulfill these promises. Japan must adequately address the legitimate concerns of not only China but all other East Asian nations.

The article was compiled based on an interview with Hiroshi Shiratori, a political science professor at Hosei University in Tokyo. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn