Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly moving toward calling a snap general election for February 2026, according to comments from her key coalition partner. On Sunday, January 11, Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), indicated that Takaichi’s preparations have entered a “new stage,” signaling that a dissolution of the Lower House is imminent.
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If the Prime Minister moves forward, the schedule is expected to look like this:
- January 23: Potential dissolution of the House of Representatives at the start of the regular Diet session.
- Late January: Official campaign kickoff.
- February 8 or 15: Projected dates for the national vote.
Strategic Objectives
The decision to go to the polls now—well ahead of the legal deadline—is seen as a calculated move to capitalize on several factors:
- Public Approval: Since becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister in late 2025, Takaichi has maintained strong approval ratings (hovering near 70%). Her administration wants to lock in this support before any potential economic or diplomatic headwinds occur.
- The LDP–Ishin Alliance: Following the collapse of the LDP’s decades-long partnership with Komeito, Takaichi needs a direct public mandate for her new governing alliance with the more conservative Ishin party.
- Security & Fiscal Policy: A decisive win would provide the political “blank check” needed to pursue her signature policies, including increased defense spending and proactive fiscal stimulus, which have faced friction in a divided parliament.
The Risks Involved
While her popularity is high, an early election is not without risk. Opposition parties have criticized the move as a “political vacuum” during a time of regional tension. Furthermore, the LDP–Ishin coalition must prove they can coordinate effectively on the ballot, as they currently lack a majority in the Upper House.
