Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s decision to call a snap election delivered a historic landslide, reshaping Japan’s political landscape overnight. In this special episode, our executive producer steps in for Mira to introduce a conversation with TAG's outstanding Japan team. TAG Managing Partner Kurt Tong is joined by TAG Partner Chris Johnstone and TAG Vice President Yuka Hayashi to unpack why the victory was so decisive and what it enables. The conversation explores the market’s mixed reaction, the tough fiscal choices ahead, and how Takaichi’s mandate could affect defense spending, industrial policy, and economic inequality. The panel also looks outward—assessing implications for U.S.–Japan relations, China, Taiwan deterrence, and Japan’s role across the Indo‑Pacific as Tokyo navigates a moment of uncommon political strength.

What Comes Next with Mira Rapp-Hooper is produced by Rivan Dwiastono, executive produced by Lauren Dueck, with editorial input from Prashant Jha. It contains music by Cody Martin via Soundstripe.

What Comes Next is a production of The Asia Group, and is powered by TAG AI, TAG's geopolitical decision engine for businesses.