Overview
- Hirofumi Yoshimura said after meeting Sanae Takaichi that her view on election timing had entered a new stage and he would not be surprised by a February vote.
- The Internal Affairs Ministry instructed regional election committees to prepare for a possible early nationwide ballot.
- Media reports cite Feb. 8 or Feb. 15 as potential voting days, with official campaigning likely to start Jan. 27 or Feb. 3 if the lower house is dissolved.
- The LDP–Japan Innovation Party bloc holds a razor-thin majority in the lower house that could be lost with a single seat defeat.
- Opposition leaders warn a February contest could jeopardize enactment of the fiscal 2026 budget before April, even as Takaichi stresses executing stimulus and securing budget approval.