Overview
- Japan’s Internal Affairs Ministry has instructed prefectural election boards to prepare for a possible general election, according to NHK.
- The Yomiuri previously reported that February 8 or 15 are under consideration for a snap poll.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has publicly emphasized executing stimulus and budget measures, while opposition Komeito warns a February vote would block budget passage by the fiscal year-end.
- Ishin leader Hirofumi Yoshimura said Takaichi’s view on election timing had shifted to a “new stage,” reinforcing expectations of a near-term dissolution.
- The ruling LDP–Ishin bloc holds only a slim Lower House majority and remains in the Upper House minority, and the yen weakened after the election reports, touching its weakest level against the dollar in a year.