January 20, 2026
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced plans to dissolve parliament on 23 January to make way for an early election on 08 February. Since assuming the role in October 2025, PM Takaichi has maintained high approval ratings and aims to secure a stronger lower house majority for her cabinet. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) currently holds 199 of 465 lower house seats, relying on its coalition with the Japan Innovation Party for a fragile majority. Despite PM Takaichi’s popularity, the election remains uncertain for the LDP due to past poor results and a newly consolidated opposition.