Overview
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the timeline: the lower house will be dissolved on January 23, campaigning begins January 27, and voting and counting take place on February 8.
- Takaichi framed the vote as a direct judgment on her leadership as she pursues tax cuts, expanded outlays and a new security strategy.
- Her coalition holds only a narrow lower‑house majority despite high cabinet approval ratings, while the CDP and Komeito announced a merger to offer a centrist alternative.
- The government has submitted a record 122.3 trillion yen budget for the fiscal year starting April 1 to cover rising defense and social costs.
- Markets reacted to the election call and fiscal plans, with Tokyo stocks hitting record highs and 10‑year government bond yields rising to a 27‑year peak on tax‑cut expectations.