Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Monday that she will dissolve the House of Representatives at the start of the regular parliamentary session this week, setting the stage for a snap general election on Feb. 8.
Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October, told reporters she plans to dissolve the 465-member lower house on Jan. 23, the opening day of the Diet’s ordinary session, and seek a fresh mandate from voters.
The decision will trigger an unusually early election, coming less than 18 months after the last general vote in October 2024.
Under the Japanese Constitution, the lower house must be dissolved within 40 days of the announcement, with elections following soon after.
Takaichi has framed the early vote as an opportunity for the public to decide whether she should continue to lead the government and to endorse her policy agenda, which includes economic stimulus and other fiscal measures.
Opposition parties have criticized the move as disruptive to parliamentary business, pointing to delays in key budget discussions and a narrow window for legislative work before the vote.
Analysts say the election will test public support for Takaichi’s leadership and her ruling coalition’s ability to secure a workable majority in the Diet.
Campaigning is expected to begin in late January, with official election notices issued shortly after the dissolution.
Voter sentiment surveys show mixed feelings about the snap election, with some polls indicating significant opposition to the timing of the vote.
The outcome of the election will shape Japan’s political landscape and influence the government’s ability to enact reforms amid economic challenges and shifting regional dynamics in East Asia.
