Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Dissolves Parliament, Snap Election Set for Feb 8

The move is widely seen as a strategic attempt to capitalize on her high personal approval rating, which reportedly stands at nearly 70%.

Despite Takaichi’s soaring popularity, her party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has struggled with various scandals, leading to a dip in public support. The current ruling coalition, comprising the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), holds only a narrow majority in the 465-seat chamber. The 12-day official campaign period will begin next Tuesday, with Takaichi seeking a stronger public mandate to push forward her agenda on national security and economic reforms.