Japanese people brave snow to vote in snap election

Japanese voters headed to the polls on Sunday amid adverse winter conditions, with heavy snowfall in several regions of the country, to participate in a snap general election called by the Prime Minister. According to exit polls and projections, the conservative coalition led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is expected to clinch a decisive victory, solidifying its majority in the Lower House of the Diet. This election, seen as a referendum on the government's economic and security management, could strengthen Takaichi's mandate to push forward key policies, including increased defense spending.