Overview
- Leaders of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its ally Ishin said the prime minister will dissolve the chamber at the opening of the ordinary Diet session on January 23.
- Kyodo reports a projected campaign start on January 27 or February 3 with possible election dates of February 8 or February 15.
- Takaichi’s approval remains high, reported around 62% to 70% in recent NHK and local polls.
- The ruling bloc holds only 233 of 465 lower house seats and remains in the minority in the upper house, limiting its legislative leverage.
- Opposition figures warned the early vote would stall deliberations on a record 2026 budget near $770 billion, with market reports noting pressure on the yen and government bonds following the election signals.