Tokyo, Jan 23 (AP): Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday dissolved the lower house of Parliament, setting the stage for a snap general election on February 8, barely three months after she assumed office as the country’s first woman leader.
The move is widely seen as an effort to capitalize on Takaichi’s strong public approval ratings, estimated at around 70 per cent, and to help the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition regain political ground after suffering significant losses in recent years. However, the dissolution will delay parliamentary approval of a crucial budget aimed at reviving Japan’s struggling economy and tackling rising prices and cost-of-living pressures.
Elected prime minister in October, Takaichi has sought to project a decisive and reform-oriented image. Her decision to call an early election paves the way for a 12-day campaign, officially beginning Tuesday, following the dissolution of the 465-member lower house, the more powerful chamber of Japan’s Parliament.
Takaichi hopes the election will strengthen the ruling bloc’s position in the lower house, where the LDP-led coalition currently holds only a slim majority after setbacks in the 2024 polls. The coalition also lacks a majority in the upper house, forcing it to depend on opposition support to pass legislation.
Opposition parties have criticised the prime minister’s move, arguing that it unnecessarily delays the passage of the national budget, which includes measures to stimulate growth and cushion households from inflation.
“I believe the only option is for the people, as sovereign citizens, to decide whether Sanae Takaichi should be prime minister,” she said at a press conference earlier this week while announcing the election. “I am staking my career as prime minister on this decision.”
A hardline conservative, Takaichi has sought to draw sharp contrasts with her centrist predecessor Shigeru Ishiba, emphasising higher fiscal spending, a stronger military, and tougher immigration policies to make Japan “strong and prosperous.” While her assertive stance has resonated with many voters—particularly younger people—the LDP continues to face public distrust following a political funds scandal. Some traditional supporters have drifted toward emerging right-wing populist groups such as the anti-globalist Sanseito party.
Japan is also grappling with heightened tensions with China, after Takaichi made remarks suggesting Japan could become involved if Beijing takes military action against Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Her comments have triggered sharp reactions from Beijing, including diplomatic and economic pressure.
At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Japan to further increase defence spending, as Washington and Beijing compete for military influence in the region. Takaichi has indicated her intention to press ahead with a military buildup, aligning closely with the United States.
The snap election is expected to test not only Takaichi’s personal popularity but also public confidence in the LDP’s ability to govern amid economic uncertainty, regional security tensions, and lingering corruption scandals.
Category: Breaking News
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