Sanae Takaichi is gambling on her popularity to secure a stronger mandate, but shifting alliances and snow-hit regions could still change the outcome. TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling coalition is poised for a landslide victory in Sunday’s (Feb 8) snap election, according to observers and local media surveys, despite a fragmented political landscape.  TAKAICHI RIDES WAVE OF POPULARITY Despite the reshuffled alliances, recent polls show the opposition trailing well behind