Takaichi Dissolves Japan's Lower House, Moving to a Snap Election Within Weeks

She seeks a voter mandate on a new LDP–Ishin coalition alongside plans to raise fiscal and defense spending.

Overview

The dissolution takes effect on January 23, and Sanae Takaichi says she wants voters to decide whether she is fit to lead.
Reports indicate February 8 is being weighed for the vote, with the date not yet formally confirmed.
LDP secretary-general Shunichi Suzuki says the election will gauge public acceptance of the shift to an alliance with Ishin and higher government outlays, including defense.
Early-election talk last week drove selling in the yen and Japanese government bonds, highlighting investor concern over financing expanded spending.
The tight timeline risks delaying passage of the 2026 budget past the end of March, and a provisional spending plan is under consideration, according to Yomiuri.