Japan PM Takaichi to dissolve lower house for early snap election

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is preparing to dissolve the lower house of Parliament, paving the way for a snap election aimed at securing public endorsement for her policies, a senior party official said Wednesday.

Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October, is reportedly looking to capitalize on her strong approval ratings, which hover around 70 per cent, to strengthen her governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition. Shunichi Suzuki , LDP secretary-general, told reporters that Takaichi informed top officials of her plan to dissolve the lower house “soon” after it convenes on January 23. He did not provide exact dates for the dissolution or the election, adding that Takaichi will outline her plans at a news conference next Monday.

In Japan, the prime minister has the constitutional authority to dissolve the lower house at any time. Once dissolved, a general election must be held within 40 days. For Takaichi, this provides a strategic opportunity: by calling a snap election while her approval ratings remain high, she can potentially increase the LDP’s seat share, solidify her coalition, and gain a stronger mandate to push through her legislative agenda, including the government’s record 122.3 trillion yen (USD 770 billion) budget .

The LDP and its coalition currently hold a slim majority in the lower house, the more powerful chamber of Japan’s bicameral Parliament. Analysts say the early election is intended to secure a larger share of seats for the LDP and its new junior partner, the Japan Innovation Party , making it easier to pass key legislation. Opposition lawmakers, however, criticised the move as “self-serving,” warning that it could delay parliamentary discussions on the budget, which must be approved promptly.

According to media reports, Takaichi plans to dissolve the house on the opening day of this year’s ordinary session, January 23, with the snap election potentially taking place as early as February 8. A victory would also strengthen her ability to pass the government’s ambitious fiscal measures, which include initiatives to tackle inflation, support low-income households, and boost economic growth.

Known for her hawkish and nationalistic stance, Takaichi holds conservative views on social issues and has openly opposed transgender rights while supporting patriarchal norms. Political observers note that she is aiming to win back conservative voters who have shifted toward emerging populist parties in recent elections. To strengthen her position, the LDP has brought several independents into the governing coalition, though it still remains a minority in the upper house.

The upcoming months are expected to be crucial for Takaichi, as she seeks both to consolidate her party’s power and to shape Japan’s legislative agenda ahead of the new fiscal year.