Japan PM Takaichi calls snap election for 8 February
Make us a preferred source
Make us a preferred source on Google
The news: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will dissolve parliament on Friday and call a snap general election early next month as she angles to capitalise on strong polling to secure a large majority in the lower house.
The context: Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Takaichi, who was appointed as Japan’s first female prime minister in October 2025 in an internal Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vote, said she will dissolve the lower house of the Diet on Friday 23 January, with an election on 8 February.
Takaichi said the decision to call the election was very difficult, adding that “I am putting my future as prime minister on the line. I want the people to decide directly whether they can entrust the management of the country to me.”
The FT reports that the PM’s public approval ratings are currently as high as 75%, despite the LDP remaining unpopular.
Should Takaichi win the general election, she has promised more stimulus, a reduction in Japan’s debt-to-GDP ratio and stronger social security.
During her first few months in office, Takaichi has already held a visit to Japan from US President Donald Trump and triggered a spat with China over her comments on Taiwan – from which she has not backed down.
The numbers: The LDP’s former coalition partner, Komeito, joined forces with the country’s largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, last week, challenging Takaichi’s efforts to secure a clear majority for the LDP in the 465-seat House of Representatives. The LDP and its coalition partner, Japan Innovation Party, currently hold 233 seats.
