Tokyo: The Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the powerful lower house of Parliament, setting the stage for a snap general election on February 8.
The decision triggers a short and intense 12-day campaign, officially beginning Tuesday, and places the country’s political future squarely in the hands of voters.
Takaichi’s move is widely seen as an effort to capitalize on her strong public standing. Since becoming Japan’s first female prime minister in October, she has enjoyed approval ratings hovering around 70 percent. With only three months in office, she is seeking to turn personal popularity into parliamentary strength for the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner.
The governing bloc currently holds only a slim majority in the 465-seat lower house following heavy losses in 2024. It lacks control of the upper house, forcing it to rely on opposition support to pass legislation. An early election offers a chance to regain momentum and secure a more stable mandate.
The snap poll comes at a price. Dissolving Parliament delays the passage of a crucial budget designed to stimulate a sluggish economy and ease the burden of rising living costs. Opposition leaders have accused the Prime Minister of putting political advantage ahead of urgent economic needs, arguing that households and businesses cannot afford further delays. Despite the criticism, Takaichi has framed the election as a test of public confidence in her leadership, effectively placing her political future on the line.
Banzai!
It’s official. Prime Minister Takaichi has dissolved the House of Representatives. Japan will hold an election on February 8.
MPs who support Takaichi did a banzai cheer and applauded. Opposition MPs did not.pic.twitter.com/KCoYZfEF2f— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) January 23, 2026
A hardline conservative, Takaichi has sought to draw a clear contrast with her centrist predecessor Shigeru Ishiba. Her platform emphasizes bold fiscal spending, a stronger military posture, and tighter immigration controls, all aimed at what she describes as making Japan strong and prosperous.
Her decisive style has resonated with many younger voters. However, the LDP continues to struggle with the fallout from a political funds scandal, pushing some traditional supporters toward emerging far-right and populist parties such as the anti-globalist Sanseito.
Foreign policy looms large in the campaign. Relations with China have deteriorated after Takaichi suggested Japan could be drawn into a conflict if Beijing moves militarily against Taiwan. China has responded with sharper diplomatic and economic pressure.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump has urged Japan to further increase defense spending as Washington and Beijing compete for military influence in the region.
