In Japan, voters cast their ballots in a parliamentary election predicted to hand Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a much bigger majority than the razor-thin one her conservative coalition had been defending. However, record snowfall in some parts of the country threatened to depress turnout.

By Mark Buckton - Seoul February 8, 2026 sees Japanese and Thai voters head to the polls as political leaders in both countries seek to shape their nation's respective political direction for the next four years.

Japan and Thailand are heading for snap elections triggered by rising regional tensions, with both leaders turning to nationalist messaging to rally voter support — but early signs suggest the strategy is working very differently in the two countries.

Election campaigns are wrapping up in Japan and Thailand, where voters will go to the polls Sunday.

Japan and Thailand are to pick who will lead the countries in elections on Feb 8. The electorates in both cases are likely to be focused on stable and sustained leadership, given challenges at home and changes that are out of their control on the global stage.

What bond market jitters mean for tourism, and why Thailand still matters BANGKOK, Thailand – Japan is rarely associated with uncertainty. For decades it has represented stability, efficiency, and quiet confidence,

On 8 February, voters in Thailand and Japan will head to the polls. These are not Malaysian elections, yet for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, they