After launching her second Cabinet on February 18, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae appeared in good spirits, smiling in a relaxed atmosphere.

She reappointed all 18 members of her first Cabinet.

With the same lineup that maintained high approval ratings, Takaichi says the administration intends to advance policies with a sense of speed.

About an hour earlier, she held a press conference after being reelected in parliament as Japan’s prime minister.

S/ Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister / I have been called upon to continue bearing heavy responsibility as the 105th prime minister. It was 120 days ago when I launched my administration on thin ice with 237 votes in the prime ministerial designation vote in the House of Representatives, only 4 votes above the majority. This time, I was designated as prime minister with a stable foundation of over 350 votes. I extend my deepest gratitude to the citizens who placed their trust in the Takaichi administration in the recent general election by giving the Liberal Democratic Party more seats than at any time in its history of over 70 years. I am determined to respond to that trust. Keeping the weight of this responsibility in mind, I will manage the government humbly yet boldly while listening to various voices. Some say that because the LDP alone has secured more than two-thirds of the seats, I now have great power or a blank check. I do not see it that way at all. As before, I ask for cooperation from opposition parties that are positive about realizing policies.

Takaichi said her government will not force its way through Diet proceedings by the sheer power of numbers.

She also touched on the LDP’s coalition partner.

S/ Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister / Some people say heartless things like, “The Japan Innovation Party may no longer be necessary.” Our relationship of trust with the Japan Innovation Party, which made the major decision to form a new coalition with the LDP last October when the party was struggling after its partnership with Komeito ended, is unshakable. The government and ruling parties will work as one to shift into a higher gear toward realizing the policies pledged in the general election and outlined in the formal coalition agreement between the two parties. Starting today, “Takaichi Cabinet 2.0” is in motion.

Regarding the ruling bloc’s election campaign pledge to set the consumption tax rate for food and beverages to zero for two years, she said the matter will be discussed at a multi-party national council.

The prime minister said the government will simultaneously discuss the consumption tax cut plan and the framework for a refundable tax credit system that it aims to transition into.

Takaichi also reiterated her strong desire to revise the Constitution.

At the press conference, she was asked about deliberations on the draft budget for the next fiscal year that have been delayed due to the dissolution of the House of Representatives.

S/ Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister / To prevent any disruption to citizens’ lives, the government will consult with the ruling parties and ask for cooperation from opposition parties with the aim of passing the fiscal 2026 budget and other bills that must be approved by the end of this fiscal year within the fiscal year.

She also talked about her bold aspirations.

S/ Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister / We will build a country where young people can feel proud to have been born in Japan and can say with confidence that the future is bright. To that end, the Takaichi Cabinet 2.0 will continue to take on challenges. Revising Japan’s Constitution, revising the imperial house law, and reducing the number of parliamentary seats. The LDP will also continue to take on challenges. Never give up. That is my personal creed. As a Cabinet that makes decisions, drives progress and takes on challenges, we will realize a hopeful future beyond the challenges and a strong and prosperous Japanese archipelago.

On the diplomatic front, she spoke about Japan’s relations with the United States.

S/ Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister / At the upcoming Japan-US summit, I hope to further strengthen my relationship of trust with President Trump and confirm that we will strengthen the Japan-US relations in various areas including security, economy and culture.

Takaichi is scheduled to give her policy speech in parliament on February 20.

After question sessions by political parties, Diet members are expected to begin deliberating on the draft budget for the next fiscal year which starts April 1.